LKQ led the group with a 2% pop while the rest of the tape barely moved, no single catalyst, just a quiet day with parts stocks getting a little love.
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Lucid just made 3D structural measuring mandatory for all repairs. Meanwhile, eBay is pulling airbags off its platform to stop counterfeits. Two moves that tighten the screws on quality and safety.
OEM
1. Lucid mandates 3D measuring for all structural repairs
Lucid's new position statement requires pre- and post-repair 3D measurement reports for every structural fix using an approved digital measuring system. No exceptions. This is a formal OEM requirement, not guidance. Shops doing Lucid work without this protocol will face denials on every structural claim.
Mark says: Add Lucid to your pre-estimate checklist. If you don't have an approved 3D system, sublet it and document the shop partner on every supplement.
2. eBay bans airbag sales to crack down on counterfeits
Starting later this month, eBay is blocking all airbag and inflator sales on its platform. The move targets counterfeit parts flooding used-car channels. Shops ordering from third-party sellers need to pivot to OEM or certified distributors now. Counterfeits cost lives and open liability.
Mark says: Brief your parts buyers this week. Ban eBay and marketplace sources for airbags entirely. One counterfeit failure ends your shop.
3. Mitchell data: calibration and inflation drive repair costs up
Mitchell's latest report shows average repair costs climbing due to two factors: more calibration activity and parts inflation. ADAS-equipped vehicles now dominate the repair queue. Shops are doing more post-repair calibration checks, and insurers are seeing it. Build it into your labor estimates now, or lose margin on supplements later.
Mark says: Use Mitchell's calibration data to defend your labor supplements. It's third-party proof that post-repair verification is industry standard.
4. Four out of five U.S. vehicles are model year 2007 or newer
Experian's fleet snapshot shows 80% of vehicles on the road are 2007 models or newer. That means most of your incoming work has some form of electronic safety system. Very few pure mechanical jobs exist anymore. Training and equipment for ADAS diagnostics is no longer optional.
Mark says: If your staff isn't trained on ADAS systems, you're leaving money on the table and failing the vehicle. Invest in training now.
5. SEMA widens ADAS symposium; OEMs join the table
SEMA's second annual ADAS Symposium brought 63 attendees from 47 companies, including automakers, safety researchers, and repair groups. The conversation is shifting from aftermarket-only to OEM-inclusive. Repair shops are gaining a seat at the technical standards table. This matters for future TSB and calibration protocol development.
Mark says: SCRS and SEMA are working with OEMs to write the rules. Join the conversation at next year's symposium or lose input on standards that affect your shop.
Got a denied calibration or structural repair claim? Reply with the details and we'll send you an OEM-cited rebuttal in 60 seconds, free. No pitch. Just evidence.
Published by Absolute ADAS. Mark Fowler, owner. Mobile ADAS calibration in Western Washington. 50,000+ calibrations on the floor.
👀 Tomorrow: watch for OEM pushback on Mitchell's calibration billing data and whether Lucid's 3D measuring mandate triggers insurer denial language industry-wide.