AirPro Approved for Ford Collision and Glass Certification Programs

AirPro's Ford Brand Specialists attended I-CAR’s Chicago training center for hands-on training requirements for the program.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 28, 2023

AirPro Diagnostics announced Ford’s approval of AirPro for diagnostics and calibrations provider to ensure a complete and safe repair.    

“This approval is yet another example of AirPro’s commitment to meeting OE approvals. AirPro is now an approved diagnostics and calibrations

NTSB Calls for Speed Control Tech in New Cars After Fatal Crash

The board's investigation into the crash in Las Vegas in January 2022, which killed nine people, found speeding and driver impairment were the main factors.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 15, 2023

A recent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) into a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision in North Las Vegas, NV, has prompted the board to advocate for the mandatory inclusion of intelligent speed assistance (ISA) technology in all new cars. 

This

Car ADAS Solutions Signs First NY Calibration Center, Largest Licensee

Empire ADAS in Clifton Park, NY, operates out of a 6,800-square-foot facility.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 14, 2023

Car ADAS Solutions announced the addition of Empire ADAS, LLC, a new licensee in Clifton Park, NY. The company’s 6,800-square-foot facility is the largest Car ADAS Solutions licensee in the country.

Michael Trimarchi, operations manager for Empire ADAS, said the company is committed to providing quality service,

Conference Includes Discussion of Sublet Requirements, Tech Access to OEM Procedures

"I think the days of sublet with no documentation...is going to change dramatically in the near future,” Frank Terlep said.

Written by John Yoswick, Autobody News
PublishedNov. 9, 2023

Several speakers at the CIECA CONNEXannual conference this fall offered cautions for shops subletting a lot of work, particularly ADAS calibrations. Frank Terlep, vice president of ADAS solutions for Opus IVS, said sublet work suffers now from “a black hole of

AirPro Diagnostics Auggie Mobile Device Meets IIHS and NHTSA Standards for Calibration

The Auggie renders ADAS targets and lighting conditions according to the OEM’s requirements, and works with most major scan tools.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 8, 2023

AirPro Diagnostics announced Oct. 31 its mobile static calibration device, the Auggie, has met two national organizations’ vehicle requirements to complete a safe Forward-Facing Camera (FFC) calibration. They include the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway

Car ADAS Solutions Announces New Texas Licensee

The team at Smart Vehicle Solutions got help with staff training and finding and permitting the right building to open a calibration business.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 8, 2023

Car ADAS Solutions announced the addition of Smart Vehicle Solutions, a new licensee in Farmers Branch, TX. Established by Tim Pappadopoulos in 2023, the company’s goal is to return every customer vehicle road-ready and safer than the day it was built.

“We constantly remind ourselves

Tesla Found Not Responsible for Fatal Autopilot Crash

The landmark case was the first one brought against the automaker for a crash that caused a death.

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Nov. 2, 2023

Teslawas victorious in the first-ever U.S. trial that claimed its Autopilot system was responsible for a death in a crash that occurred in 2019.

On Oct. 31, a California state jury ruled there was no manufacturing defect in Tesla’s Autopilot suite, which cleared the automaker’s driver assistance feature of any wrongdoing.

In 2019, Micah Lee’s Tesla Model 3 suddenly veered off the highway in Los Angeles, CA. The vehicle then struck a palm tree and burst

The companies were winners in the collision repair and refinish and ADAS product categories, respectively.

Hunter Engineering and Goliath Carts started off the 2023 SEMA Show with a bang, both being named winners of Best New Product awards, presented at the Kick-Off Breakfast before the show opened Oct. 31.

Goliath Carts took top honors in the collision repair and refinish category for its destructive test weld stand, while Hunter won the ADAS Product category for its Ultimate ADAS.

Collision Repair & Refinish Winner

...

asTech Announces Scanning Support for Tesla Vehicles

asTech remote OEM scans are now available for more than 99% of Teslas.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 27, 2023

asTech, a Repairifycompany, announced an expansion of its remote OEM solutions to now include remote OEM scanning support for Teslavehicles.

asTech diagnostic devices are now able to complete authentic remote OEM scans for virtually every Tesla vehicle---more than 99% coverage. This is an important update that continues to demonstrate the power and

asTech Releases Rules Engine Case Study No. 5

The case study shows the importance of making the right tool choice using empirical data to ensure a safe and proper repair.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 24, 2023

asTech, a Repairify company, released its fifth Rules Engine case study from the asTech Institute, demonstrating that, regardless of the age or popularity of a vehicle, there is no guarantee an unverified aftermarket tool will provide a fully comprehensive and accurate scan. To ensure a safe and proper repair, shops must

John Bean Tru-Point, More Snap-on TSS Products to Be Showcased at SEMA

SEMA Show attendees are encouraged to stop by one of three booths featuring the ADAS calibration tool for demonstrations.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 23, 2023

The award-winning new John Bean^® Tru-Point™ advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) calibration tool, along with other award-winning Snap-on^® Total Shop Solutions (TSS)™ products, will be on display and available for demonstrations at the 2023 SEMA Show, Oct. 31-Nov. 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“As the global leader in providing its customers with innovative and productive automotive repair

Hunter Engineering to Preview Revolutionary Ultimate ADAS™ at SEMA

The new system combines world-class alignment with the fastest and easiest target placements.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 19, 2023

Ultimate ADAS™, Hunter’s innovative system for eliminating error-prone manual layouts common to static ADAS calibrations, will be on public display for the first time in South Hall Lower booth #42017 at SEMA in Las Vegas, Oct. 31-Nov. 3.

The new system will also be included in SEMA’s New Product Showcase in the North Hall.

“It’s named Ultimate ADAS for a reason,” said Ryan Gerber, Hunter product specialist, ADAS. “It’s the fastest and most precise

Gerber Collision & Glass, Opus IVS Partner to Deliver Scanning and Diagnostics

Opus' DriveSafe platform will consolidate services at Gerber's collision repair and glass replacement locations nationwide.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 19, 2023

Gerber Collision & Glass will consolidate its diagnostic services through a single platform with Opus IVS's advanced DriveSafe platform, enabling state-of-the-art remote and direct-on-tool diagnostic capabilities across locations nationwide, Gerber announced in a news release Oct. 19.

Enhanced Diagnostic Solutions

The DriveSafe platform integrates with the newly introduced CoPilot suite of

From the Desk of Mike Anderson: Doing More Calibrations 'In-House' Often Doesn’t Mean in Your Shop

Mike clarifies how existing body shops, most of which just don’t have the right space and conditions to do this work accurately, should bring it "in house."

Written by Mike Anderson, Autobody News
Published Oct. 4, 2023

I’ve been a proponent---here in this column and elsewhere---in collision repair businesses working to conduct more ADAS calibration, resets and reprogramming in-house. One of the members of my ...

CCC Breaks Down Rise in Total Cost of Repairs, Other Trends

Miles driven and average cost of repair are both on the rise, but more in line with pre-pandemic increases.

Written by John Yoswick, Autobody News
Published Oct. 3, 2023

CCC Intelligent Solutions offered a look at industry stats and trends as of mid-year during a recent webinar hosted by the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA).

Bart Mazurek, vice president of consulting services for CCC, said vehicle miles traveled through the first

Drivers Learn to Use Vehicle Safety Tech, But on Their Terms

Written by Andrew Gross, AAA
Published Oct. 2, 2023

New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found drivers who use advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) grow more comfortable with the technology over time---sometimes too comfortable. After weeks of using ADAS, attention to driving tended to drop. However, these drivers also used ADAS more when highway demands were lower.

“The AAA Foundation findings from this research are a cautiously positive sign for the future of vehicle automation,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation. “As drivers become more comfortable with the

ASE ADAS Specialist Certification Provides Repair Opportunities for Shops

Written by Autobody News Staff
PublishedSept. 28, 2023

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) ADAS Specialist Certification test (L4) recognizes proficient service professionals and helps shops optimize repair opportunities on ADAS-equipped vehicles by employing L4 certified technicians.

ASE created the L4 ADAS Specialist Certification test to identify technicians who possess knowledge of the skills required to diagnose, service and calibrate ADAS on late model automobiles, SUVs and light-duty trucks. The L4 test covers content focused on the diagnosis, service and calibration of radar, camera, ultrasonic

John Bean Updates Website with Tru-Point Information for Calibrations

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 27, 2023

John Bean^® has updated the website for its Tru-Point™ advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) calibration tool, providing Tru-Point users with advanced information on proper calibrations to enhance performance and productivity, it announced in a news release.

“Performing a correct ADAS calibration is a lot more than just pushing a few buttons,” said Jordan Krebs, product manager for John Bean. “Shops must consider some important factors for an accurate procedure. The targets used for calibration must be positioned correctly to ensure accuracy. It is

Autel Releases New Round of 2023-24 ADAS Calibration Coverage Updates

Written by Autobody News Staff
PublishedSept. 25, 2023

Autelannounced it has released another round of 2023-24 vehicle models ADAS calibration coverage software, providing ADAS calibration coverage for the most common systems on many Audi, GM, Porsche, Hyundai/Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissanand Stellantismodels to all MaxiSYS tablet owners, MS906 Pro and higher, with active ADAS calibration software subscriptions.

Autel also announced at Auto Glass Week in Virginia Beach, VA, it is taking pre-orders for its new Subaruwide-angle mono camera calibration

ADAS Bringing New Challenges for Collision Repairers---Even in the Paint Shop

Written by John Yoswick, Autobody News
Published Sept. 7, 2023

The technicians conducting scanning, sensor or camera replacements, reprogramming and calibrations are well aware of the challenges ADAS brings to collision repair. But the technology is having impacts in the refinish department as well.

During a panel discussion at a recent industry event, paint company representatives were asked about some not uncommon practices in shop paint departments. Some painters, for example, will sometimes use

Owners’ Experience with EV Tech More Problematic Than with ICE Vehicles

PublishedAug. 24, 2023

Electric vehicle (EV) owners experience more problems with advanced technology than do owners of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, released Aug. 24. The study focuses on the user experience with advanced vehicle technology as it first comes to market and is an early measure of problems encountered by vehicle owners.

Seventeen of the 21 advanced features offered on both fuel versions have more quality problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) for EVs (excluding Tesla) than for ICE vehicles. In addition, satisfaction is lower for EVs

Mitchell Automates Scan and Calibration Detection in Estimating Workflow

PublishedAug. 24, 2023

Mitchell, an Enlytecompany, on Aug. 24 announced the availability of a new feature in Mitchell Cloud Estimating that automatically detects a completed scan or calibration and gives users the ability to quickly add it as a line on the collision-damage appraisal.

This enhanced integration between carrier and shop workflows helps ensure estimates include the appropriate diagnostic procedures performed. It is also designed to assist independent, staff and shop appraisers with maintaining accurate records while giving vehicle owners added visibility into the repair work completed.

The release

ADAS Could Prevent 37M Crashes Over Next 30 Years: Study

Written by Andrew Gross, AAA
Published Aug. 17, 2023

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are the eyes and ears of your car. They use sensors and cameras to detect potential hazards, warn drivers and can take corrective action automatically. These safety systems are common on new vehicles, and they have the potential to save lives by preventing crashes---but how many? 

New research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimated available ADAS technologies could prevent approximately 37 million crashes, 14 million injuries and nearly 250,000 deaths over the next 30 years. This would represent 16% of crashes and injuries and 22% of

Tesla Driver Who Crashed into Police Car Warned by Autopilot 150 Times: Report

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published Aug. 14, 2023

On Feb. 27, 2021, a 2019 Tesla Model X reportedly on Autopilot crashed into a police vehicle at 54 mph. Five police offers who were conducting a routine traffic stop were injured, as was the driver who had been pulled over by the police. Reports indicated the driver of the Model X was intoxicated at the time of the incident. 

The injured police officers filed a lawsuit against Tesla, alleging the company has not done enough to address issues with its Autopilot driver-assist system, seeking damages between $1 million to $20 million for injuries and

Autel Releases 2023 ADAS Calibration Coverage

PublishedAug. 8, 2023

Autelreleased 2023 ADAS calibration coverage for an extensive list of vehicle brands and added a dynamic, first-in-the-industry DTC analysis feature to provide causes and solutions for ADAS sensors and components faults. 

Available to all MaxiSYS tablet owners, MS906 Pro and higher, with active ADAS calibration software subscriptions, calibration coverage expands to:

• GM2023-2024 Canyon, CadillacLYRIQ and XT4 
• Honda/Acura 2023 HR-V, Pilot, Civic and Accord 
• Hyundai2023 IONIQ 5 
• Infiniti

Toyota's Collaborative Safety Research Center Announces New Projects

PublishedAug. 1, 2023

Toyota's Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) on July 27 announced plans to launch three new projects as part of its next phase of research, dedicated to advancing safety in mobility technologies. 

The research projects include an investigation on driver support features for vehicle lane centering, the creation of an in-vehicle intervention prototype to promote safe driving and the use of data to help improve technology to aid driver decision making to encourage safer driving behavior.

Additionally, Toyota announced it has joined the Vulnerable Road User Injury Prevention Alliance (VIPA) at the

GM Launches Effort to Educate Consumers About Assisted Driving Features

PublishedJuly 31, 2023

General Motors on July 28 launched “Hands Free, Eyes On,” a consumer education program to encourage consumer confidence in the use of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as part of GM’s larger commitment to the safe deployment of these technologies, like Super Cruise. 

To avoid concern and confusion about the benefits of ADAS as they become more widely available, GM intends to give consumers more information so that they are informed, excited and confident in the technology.

“We know that to help achieve our vision of zero crashes, we must increase the adoption of ADAS and

Repairify Announces New asTech® All-In-One for Diagnostics, Calibrations, Programming

PublishedJune 8, 2023

Repairify™, a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC, on June 8 announced the upcoming release of the new asTech® All-In-One solution for local and remote automotive diagnostics, calibrations and programming to simplify the repair process.

The asTech® All-In-One is a comprehensive tablet-based solution with local and remote capabilities that’s enabled for both asTech® remote OEM tool solutions and OEM Compatible* diagnostics, as well as ADAS calibrations and programming.

The asTech® All-In-One is the most powerful solution of its kind available in the automotive repair

Autel Expands Tesla Diagnostics on Ultra Series Tablets

PublishedJune 6, 2023

Auteladded significant TeslaModel 3 and Model Y vehicle diagnostic coverage with a new software release and Tesla-compatible cable.

Tesla update 2.0 for the Ultra series of tablets includes Read and Erase Code capabilities for Tesla Models 3 and Y on the following systems: Compressor (CMP), Steering Column Control Module (SCCM), Electric Power Assisted Steering 1 (EPAS1 ) and 2 (EPAS2 ), Center Radar (RADC), Restraints Controller Module (RCM), Electric Stability Program (ESP), iBooster (IBST), Park Assist System (PARK). ECU Reset and Connection Test are two Special Functions also included in Tesla version 2 software

John Bean Tru-Point Adds New Features, Procedures with Software Update

PublishedJune 5, 2023

The award-winning John Bean® Tru-Point™ advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) calibration tool has a new software update available (1.8.0) that includes new procedures, features and improvements.

“The best ADAS calibration tool on the market just got better with the release of software update 1.8.0, making Tru-Point even more efficient and productive,” said Jordan Krebs, product manager for John Bean. “To improve coverage, the ADAS database found in the Tru-Point now has more cross-reference capabilities with the database found in our aligners; this will allow Tru-Point to provide relevant