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Good morning, {{firstName}}.
A $603 million verdict in Florida for a counterfeit airbag death just landed. Same week, ASE data shows 53% of technicians can't find the training they need. Both point to the same problem: corners cut somewhere upstream cost real lives.
INDUSTRY
1. Florida jury awards $603M in counterfeit airbag death case
A Florida jury awarded $603 million to the family of a mother killed when a counterfeit airbag detonated. The verdict sends a clear signal about liability exposure when non-OEM parts fail catastrophically. Collision shops that source or install aftermarket safety components need to know this. One bad parts decision ripples through your entire operation.
Mark says: Document every OEM vs. aftermarket parts decision on estimates; this verdict makes your supplier chain a liability issue.
2. 53% of techs say training topics don't exist for what they need
ASE's 2026 training benchmarks survey found that over half of technicians cite unavailable training as their top barrier to skill development. The gap is real: shops want techs who can handle modern ADAS calibration, mixed attachment methods, and EV diagnostics, but curriculum hasn't caught up. I-CAR is rolling out new courses, but demand outpaces supply.
Mark says: Partner with I-CAR now on mixed attachment methods enrollment; retaining techs depends on showing them a clear certification path.
3. I-CAR Mixed Attachment Methods replaces steel sectioning for Gold/Platinum
I-CAR has opened enrollment for its new Mixed Attachment Methods course, which replaces the Steel Sectioning Recertification requirement for Platinum recognition starting immediately. Gold Class renewal will require it too. This is a curriculum shift, not just an addition. If your techs are grandfathered under the old standard, they won't be for long.
Mark says: Enroll your next cert-renewal techs in mixed attachment methods before July; don't get caught with grandfathered staff who can't recertify.
4. HelloNation, shops back OEM glass over aftermarket for safety
A recent HelloNation article compares OEM vs. aftermarket windshield replacement glass. Shop owners, including Fernando Miranda of Quality Auto Glass in Denver, are backing OEM and OEE glass for safety considerations. Camera calibration accuracy depends on windshield optical clarity. Aftermarket glass tolerances can drift outside spec and throw calibration off.
Mark says: Front-load the windshield glass spec on every ADAS estimate; OEM glass is non-negotiable for camera calibration integrity.
5. Snap-on acquires Diesel Laptop for $100M, expands diagnostics reach
Snap-on has acquired Diesel Laptop for $100 million in a cash deal, expanding its diagnostic and repair information portfolio into heavy-duty and equipment markets. For collision shops, this signals consolidation in the repair information space. Fewer independent players means less price competition and more integrated tool ecosystems.
Mark says: Monitor your repair information subscriptions; consolidation often leads to price hikes after acquisition cycles settle.
Denied a calibration claim? Run it through our free Calibration Denial Audit. Reply with the denial and get an OEM-cited rebuttal in 60 seconds, no charge. It works.
📬 Hit reply. Reply: did you catch that $603M airbag verdict, are you still installing non-OEM airbag components, and which carrier approves that on estimates?
📤 Know a shop that should read this?
One forward could save them three hours of denial fights this month.
Published by Absolute ADAS. Mark Fowler, owner. Mobile ADAS calibration in Western Washington. 50,000+ calibrations on the floor.
👀 Tomorrow: watch for OEM parts liability fallout from the $603M verdict and whether I-CAR fast-tracks ADAS calibration curriculum to close the 53% training gap.