Nvidia and Mobileye both popped on chip demand optimism while Aptiv and LKQ slid, so the tape rewarded silicon and punished parts.
Data via Yahoo Finance
🎯 Carrier of the Week
GEICO
GEICO's fast-close playbook is burying your calibration line items
What they're cutting
Bundling pre- and post-scan into one low-ball labor op or cutting both entirely
Flagging static calibration as 'not required' when dynamic is listed on the estimate
Refusing sublet invoices for calibration, demanding in-house rates they know you can't match
Rebuttal that's flipping it
Push back with the OEM repair procedure, which is the legal definition of a complete repair. Honda, GM, Toyota, and others publish explicit scan and calibration requirements tied to specific operations. When GEICO says 'not required,' your answer is the OEM page number that says it is.
▶ Play this weekPull the OEM position statement or repair procedure for the specific vehicle, attach it as a PDF to your supplement, and write one line on the estimate: 'Calibration required per OEM repair procedure [page/section], not optional per carrier preferenc
Good morning, {{firstName}}.
GM just patented a system to collect driver and vehicle data post-collision. At the same time, California is tightening airbag repair standards. Both move liability and process closer to your bay.
OEM
1. GM patent: in-vehicle system to collect driver data post-crash
General Motors filed a patent for an in-vehicle system that would collect and exchange driver insurance and vehicle information automatically after a collision. The system is designed to streamline claims reporting. No timeline for rollout yet, but if deployed, shops will handle vehicles that have already transmitted damage and policy data to insurers before arrival.
Mark says: Track this patent progress; insurer may demand direct OEM data feeds before authorizing repair, complicating your estimate.
2. California BAR tightens airbag restoration rule
California's Bureau of Automotive Repair is proposing regulation changes that require airbags to be restored to original OEM operating condition, not just replaced. The rule restricts parts sourcing and mandates documented return to factory spec. California is the largest state collision market; other states will watch closely.
Mark says: Get your techs familiar with OEM airbag reset procedures now; this rule sets the compliance floor for California work starting later this year.
Honda's latest "Joy of Repair" newsletter provides specific direction on where collision shops can access repair information for ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) components. Honda has been integrating UHSS into structural repairs for years. The newsletter signals OEM commitment to publishing spec details that prevent guesswork on tensile spec and weld procedure.
Mark says: Pull Honda's UHSS spec sheets this week and post them in the metals bay so techs stop improvising on high-strength repairs.
Louisiana's first broad auto rate relief in years is partly driven by new state law that requires ADAS calibration disclosures and assignment-of-benefits clarity. The triple-i trade group cited litigation and glass-claim fraud as remaining cost drivers. This signals other states may embed ADAS calibration reporting into insurance approvals.
Mark says: Document every ADAS calibration on every estimate now; insurers are building proof-of-service into rate filing defense.
5. Collision Partners acquires K&M; Michael Bradshaw named EVP
Collision Partners, a leading consolidator, acquired K&M Collision of Hickory, North Carolina, and elevated Michael Bradshaw (K&M's VP and SCRS board chairman) to executive vice president. The deal signals continued M&A appetite in the mid-market shop segment. Bradshaw's leadership role in SCRS may influence industry standards conversations during his tenure.
Mark says: Consolidation pressure remains; if you're independent, reinforce your OEM partnership and ADAS credentials to stay competitive.
Published by Absolute ADAS. Mark Fowler, owner. Mobile ADAS calibration in Western Washington. 50,000+ calibrations on the floor.
👀 Tomorrow: watch California BAR's OEM-parts language closely as other states eye Louisiana's ADAS disclosure model for their own rate-relief packages.