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2024
How the 2024 Election Might Affect the Collision Repair Industry by Brian Bradley Autobody News
The election of Donald Trump to a second presidency and the coming shift in party control for at least one chamber of Congress will impact the collision repair industry.
namely the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and the U.S.-MexicoCanada Agreement. To make sense of the shifting regulatory climate, Autobody News spoke to Bob Redding, president of The Redding Firm, a Washington, D.C.based lobbying group. In his capacity,
Vol. 15 / Issue 9 / December 2024
RECAP ISSUE REGIONAL NEWS
Decision-Makers Pitch Ways to Govern Maine’s Forthcoming Right-to-Repair Provisions By Brian Bradley Autobody News
Control and transmittal of vehicle diagnostic data to independent repair shops in Maine could soon be managed by an independent licensing board, a new state agency, or through a “no-board model,” participants pitched during the latest meeting of the Maine Automotive Right to Repair Working Group, held Oct. 30.
Section 2 of the August-enacted law requires the right to repair working group, overseen by the state attorney general’s office, to recommend legislation to establish an “entity” to ensure cyber-secure access to vehicle-generated data for car owners and independent repair shops for maintenance, diagnostic and repair purposes. Per the law, legislative recommendations due in February l CONTINUED ON PAGE 15
REGIONAL NEWS Credit: Shutterstock.
Though it’s tough to say exactly how the election will bring specific changes in areas like tariffs, federal right to repair efforts, and auto insurance premiums, it’s safe to assume the new political landscape will alter electric vehicle (EV) mandates and relax the overall regulatory environment. Further, trade officials in Trump’s first administration prioritized the automotive industry, negotiating new bilateral, protective automotive regulations with countries including South Korea, Mexico and Canada in various free trade agreements,
Redding is the head lobbyist for the Automotive Service Association (ASA). Redding shared his insights on what a Trump presidency, GOP Senate, and potentially a Republican House, could mean for the collision repair industry.
Q:
We’ve seen two recent rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, one in September and another Nov. 7. Combined with the election results, what could this mean for the collision repair industry?
VIVE Collision Expands to 50 Locations with New Connecticut Facility VIVE Collision announced the addition of its 50th location, Bryon’s Auto Body Powered by VIVE, located in Newington, CT, a significant step in the company’s mission to reshape the collision repair industry through cutting-edge technology and a people-first approach. “As we welcome our 50th location to the VIVE family, I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude for our team’s unwavering dedication and talent,” said co-founder and CEO
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The staff of VIVE Collision’s 50th location in Newington, CT.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 30
Mike Anderson: Collision Repairers Looking for More than Just Parts
8
Abby Andrews: Possible Strikes Still Threatening to Rattle Collision
Discounts
Repair Parts Supply Chain
20
Stacey Phillips Ronak: 3M, Axalta Announce Collaboration on New Training for Collision Industry
22
John Yoswick: Suits Related to Non-OEM Parts, Insurers Suing Shops, Crash Reports See Court Activity
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