Nvidia was the lone winner today, up 3.65% on AI chip demand, while LKQ took the biggest hit at -4.08% and the rest of the auto-tech names followed the tape lower.
Data via Yahoo Finance
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I-CAR just published the collision industry's first formal equipment readiness standard, and Ford's rehiring 350 engineers after AI couldn't cut it on quality. Two stories that matter to your bay this week.
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1. I-CAR publishes equipment readiness best practice
I-CAR released its Automotive Collision Repair Facility and Equipment Best Practice on July 2, developed with OEM, insurer, and repairer input. The document sets common expectations for equipment across the industry. If you're calibrating ADAS or running alignment, this is the reference standard shops will cite in disputes.
Mark says: Download the I-CAR best practice and link it to every supplement you send for ADAS calibration denials starting today.
2. Ford rehires 350 engineers after AI fails at quality
Ford brought back more than 300 engineers, some former employees, after artificial intelligence couldn't deliver the quality control that human engineers provided. Bloomberg first reported the move. This is a hard signal: OEMs still need human expertise for complex systems.
Mark says: When an insurer pushes back on calibration time, cite Ford's AI failure to justify the labor cost of precision work.
3. ASE foundation gets $25M federal grant for collision apprenticeships
The U.S. Department of Labor awarded the ASE Education Foundation a four-year, $25 million grant to expand registered apprenticeships in auto and collision repair nationwide. This funds technician pipelines across the country. Crash Champions alone now has 200 active apprentices with 86% retention.
Mark says: If you're short staffed, now is the time to partner with a registered apprenticeship program in your state.
4. EPA affirms independent repair shops can fix emissions systems
The Environmental Protection Agency issued formal guidance July 1 recognizing the NASTF (North American Standardized Testing and Certification Program) collaboration model. Shop owners and independent technicians now have EPA backing to repair emissions systems without OEM locks. This opens a new revenue stream.
Mark says: Pull the EPA guidance and review your emissions repair capability; this is legal work collision shops can now bill for.
5. Farmers Insurance lays off 350 in claims department
Farmers Insurance cut at least 350 jobs in personal and commercial auto claims and distribution last month, according to P&C Specialist. Layoffs in the claims department typically signal staff consolidation or automation. This may slow claim approvals and supplement negotiations for your shops.
Mark says: Expect longer hold times on Farmers supplements; front-load your estimating with OEM bulletins before submitting.