ADAS Brew
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Pedestrian safety targets met; new shop tools arrive
Wednesday, September 23 · #99
~2 min read
Markets
Data via Yahoo Finance
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NHTSA released its inaugural pedestrian-protection assessments for 2027 model year vehicles, with 102 hitting the mark. Meanwhile, John Bean rolled out a customer-facing video to help shops explain why ADAS calibration matters to owners who ask.
OEM
1. 102 vehicles meet NHTSA's first pedestrian safety criteria
NHTSA published results Friday from its initial pedestrian-protection assessments for MY2027 vehicles. The agency graded performance on frontal bumper, hood, and windshield contact zones. This is the first year shops and insurers will see OEM-to-OEM safety comparisons in print.
Mark says: File this data for estimate justification when customers push back on hood or bumper repair costs over replacement.
Source: Repairer Driven News →
TRAINING
2. John Bean releases ADAS calibration explainer video for customers
John Bean (Snap-on) published a short, shop-facing video designed to educate vehicle owners on why ADAS systems must be recalibrated after collision work. The tool addresses the most common pushback: Why can't we just drive it? It's free to use and ready to drop into your waiting area or text to customers.
Mark says: Grab this video today and play it on your waiting area tablet or email it to every ADAS estimate you send this week.
Source: CollisionWeek →
INDUSTRY
3. Michigan Auto Body Association launches with SCRS affiliation
The Michigan Auto Body Association (MABA) formally launched as a statewide advocate for collision repairers, immediately affiliating with SCRS. Early priorities include anti-steering protections, OEM repair procedure reimbursement, and fair claims handling. This fills a void left when prior state representation faded.
Mark says: If you're in Michigan, join MABA now and use their anti-steering toolkit in your next carrier dispute.
Source: BodyShop Business →
INSURANCE
4. Texas updates Consumer Auto Bill of Rights to mandate appraisal right
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) approved amendments to its Auto Bill of Rights that now mandate consumers' right to appraisal in disputes. This follows pushback from consumer groups and collision advocates. The change tightens insurer discretion on partial denials and supplements.
Mark says: Texas shops: cite TDI's appraisal mandate in your next supplement and push insurers to mediation when they lowball.
Source: Repairer Driven News →
RECALL
5. Ohio auto dealer pleads guilty to trafficking counterfeit Honda airbags
A Galloway, Ohio dealership owner admitted to importing and selling counterfeit Honda airbags sourced from China. This is part of an ongoing federal crackdown on aftermarket and OEM-branded counterfeit safety parts. The case signals heightened scrutiny on parts sourcing across the supply chain.
Mark says: Verify all airbag and ADAS sensor sources with your parts supplier in writing; never accept unmarked bulk inventory.
Source: BodyShop Business →
Supplement denied? The Calibration Denial Audit pulls OEM bulletins and insurance regulations in 60 seconds and sends you a rebuttable response. Free, no pitch.
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Published by Absolute ADAS. Mark Fowler, owner. Mobile ADAS calibration in Western Washington. 50,000+ calibrations on the floor.
👀 Tomorrow: more carrier signals + OEM bulletins worth your morning coffee.