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Vol. 15 / Issue 10 / December 2024
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,
RECAP ISSUE REGIONAL NEWS
2025 Southeast Collision Conference Offers Chance To Learn Without Going Far By Elizabeth Crumbly Autobody News
The Southeast Collision Conference is an opportunity to bring a big show feel closer to home. The event is set to take place May 2-3, 2025, in Richmond, VA, again co-hosted by the Carolinas Collision Association and Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association. The event focus will be on managers, owners and technicians,
according to a show press release. Organizers expect to attract vendors with local, regional and national presences alongside industry speakers and educational presenters. There will be a particular focus this time, according to CCA Executive Director Josh Kent, on covering the whole shop. “The goal is to try to cover each aspect of running a shop from checkin to repair planning to financial l CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
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.
Classic Collision Acquires 2-Location Bo’s Collision Center in Florida Classic Collision announced the acquisition of Bo’s Collision Center in Ocala, FL, marking another step in its expansion across the
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? l CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
Sunshine State. Known for its dedication to quality repairs, Bo’s Collision Center has served Marion County and surrounding areas for more than 50 years. The acquisition includes both Bo’s Collision West and East locations, which have been familyowned and operated l CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 11
Mike Anderson: Collision Repairers Looking for More than Just Parts
31
Abby Andrews: Possible Strikes Still Threatening to Rattle Collision
Discounts
Repair Parts Supply Chain
24
Stacey Phillips Ronak: 3M, Axalta Announce Collaboration on New Training for Collision Industry
26
John Yoswick: Suits Related to Non-OEM Parts, Insurers Suing Shops, Crash Reports See Court Activity
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