AUTOGRAPHICS' March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 1

VOL 33, NO 10 www.AutomotiveReport.net march 2021 MonthlyMonthly News for News the Automotive for the Enthusiast Local working Automotive in the Automotive Industry Repair Industry.

on investment would be the ability to AutoGraphic Publishing Companyrepair the Ford F-series.” What MSOs are thinking about and doing – and Stephen Kendrick Jr., CEO of Kendrick Paint and Body, which has seven shops in what1121 single-locationAirport Center Drive shops • can Suite learn 101 from • Nashville, it Georgia and SouthTN Carolina, 37214 said he hasn’t much return from the company’s invest- By John Yoswick Though the sources for what follows are have many OEM certifications, but has ment in OEM shop certifications, though those involved in MSOs, what they have considered its Ford aluminum certifica- he acknowledged his company needs to do Whether you’re a single-location shop to say could prove valuable to the single- tion a good move, given that the company a better job marketing its certifications to owner, or a multi-shop operator (MSO), location shop owner as well. wasn’t equipped and trained for aluminum consumers and insurers. and whether you’re looking to buy or sell Limited return on OEM certifications repair prior to the introduction of the alu- “I think one of the good things has been a shop — or just remain at your compa- Like many single-location shop own- minum F-150. the education part of it, the classes on how ny’s current size — you’re likely able to ers, MSOs generally say they have seen a “Our 17 shops are within a 40-mile to properly fix these vehicles,” Kendrick learn something from those in one of those mixed return (at best) on their investment radius, so we picked a couple locations that added. “That’s been very beneficial to other categories. From OEM certifications in automaker shop certifications — so far. had excess capacity, and put those [Ford] everyone in our shop, even though it’s not to dealing with ADAS, and thinking about Steve Kelly, chief operations manager for certifications in there,” Kelly said during a monetary [return]. It’s been good to have growth or exit strategies, some issues cross Mike Rose’s Auto Body in the San Fran- the “MSO Symposium held virtually back that education, that access to repair infor- the spectrum of collision repair businesses. cisco Bay Area, said his company doesn’t in November. “So I would say our return Continued on page 6 Manufacturer-specific repair safety tips By Richard Diegle replacing brake pads on a Toyota Prius — and with good reason. These brake jobs Can hybrid and electric vehicles be dan- can be dangerous and tricky to accomplish gerous to work on? Absolutely. However, correctly. But if you know the precautions if you get proper training and follow OEM and procedures before you start, it can be repair procedures, you can service and as safe and routine as any other brake job. repair them safely and efficiently. Here are Before you even remove one lug nut, a few manufacturer-specific hybrid safety disconnect the 12-volt auxiliary battery. tips that will help you do just that. You should also open the hood and leave Replacing Toyota Prius brake pads the driver’s door open with a “DO NOT A lot of techs are apprehensive about CLOSE” sign on the door. Why? If some- one closes the driver’s door, opening it again Retro Release: Pontiac’s Proto- with the 12-volt auxil- iary battery connected Sport4 Press release from January 1991 - 14 will cause the hydraulic system to pressurize. Disconnecting the auxil- iary battery prevents the hydraulic brake pump from inadvertently pres- surizing the brake sys- tem and pushing the pistons out of the cali- per with either the brake pads out or your fingers in the way. To allow the brake fluid to return to the master cylinder reservoir when pushing the pistons back into the calipers, remove the two blue ABS relays located in the engine compartment fuse box. Shop Profile: NOTE: Toyota doesn’t recommend clamping German Motorworks - 20 the brake hose and vent- Rear View: 1976 Truck - 36 Continued on page 30

What’s Inside: GM sets goal of going largely electric by 2035 - 8 2022 Cadillac V-Series Blackwing: The most powerful ever - 25 Collision repairers, insurers and OEM weigh in on issues - 10 Smaller insurers again get top grades from auto repairers - 26 Recalls: Compiled from AP, OEMs, EPA and NHTSA - 12 McDowell hopes Daytona victory brings more success to team - 32 Ex-Nissan boss’ accused smugglers seek Supreme Court’s help -19 Toyota offers payment relief to customers affected by winter storm - 34 2 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

Area’s Largest BACHMAN Supplier of AUTO GROUP Genuine GM Parts! Hotline for Bachman Parts Center 800-334-3041 502-491-3662

9650 Bluegrass Parkway Louisville, KY 40299

Daily Delivery to Louisville, Lexington, Cincinnati and Southern Indiana! Your Best Source for Genuine GM Mechanical and Collision Parts

KENTUCKIANA AUTO & TRUCK SUPPLY “DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE”

Kentucky’s NEWEST ACDelco Parts Distributor • 36,000 Square Foot Warehouse • Parts Coverage for ALL Makes & Models • Daily Deliveries through out Kentuckiana 2107 Production Dr., Louisville, Ky 40209 833-272-3761 M-F 7:30am - 6:00pm Sat. 8:30am - 2:00pm [email protected] Local # 502-272-3761 Everything we do is designed to provide our customers with an excellent experience when buying auto & truck parts and sup- plies. We understand that our customers want to buy the correct part in a way that is convenient, at a competitive price. Our Sales and Counter team, who have over 500 years of combined parts experience is ready to assist you in doing just that.

Our team of experts is here to help you select the right part and get it in your hands quickly. We have a large selection of parts in-stock. And if we don’t have what you need, we can get it fast. Let us serve you with excellence! March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 3 BACHMAN AUTO GROUP power components with the latest in mopar technology

Collision BACHMAN Parts CHRYSLER • DODGE • JEEP • RAM Experts 630 Broadway St. Hours: M-F 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Jeffersonville, IN Sat. 8:00 AM to Noon

ORDER HOTLINES: 800-334-3041 GET REAL GET MOPAR 502-491-3662 AUTHENTIC MOPAR PARTS BACHMAN BACHMAN BACHMAN HYUNDAI VOLKSWAGEN SUBARU • Large Fleet of Delivery • Large Fleet of Delivery • Large Fleet of Delivery Trucks Trucks Trucks • Large Inventory of • Large Inventory of • Large Inventory of Genuine Hyundai Parts Genuine VW Parts Genuine Subaru Parts • Professional, • Professional, • Professional, Courteous, Parts Staff Courteous, Parts Staff Courteous, Parts Staff Hotlines for Parts: Hotlines for Parts: Hotlines for Parts: 800-334-3041 800-334-3041 800-334-3041 502-491-3662 502-491-3662 502-491-3662

630 Broadway St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 9652 Bluegrass Parkway • Louisville, KY 40299 9800 Bluegrass Parkway • Louisville, KY 40299 . repair

4 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

AUTOGRAPHICS' New Tacoma TRD Lift Kit now available Monthly News for the Local Automotive Industry Monthly News for the Automotive Enthusiast By Toyota Press Release workingAutoGraphic in the Automotive Publishing R epairCompany Industry. larger for increased strength. Cast-iron spacers are included in the kit to lift the 1121 Airport Center Drive • Suite 101 • Nashville, TN 37214 PLANO, Texas – There’s no denying Tacoma 1 inch in the rear. VOL. 33, No. 10 • March 2021 the popularity of Toyota Tacoma among The additional lift provided by the truck enthusiasts – just look at its track Tacoma TRD Lift Kit gives the truck a record as the best-selling midsize truck taller stance, but the kit offers more than Editor for the past 16 years! Now, 2020-and- just looks thanks to the improvement to Barry L. Forkum newer Tacoma owners have a suspension off-road capability it provides. With the lift option available from Toyota Racing kit installed, frame ground clearance [email protected] Development (TRD). The new Tacoma increases by 1.7 inches. The kit also TRD Lift Kit is now available nationwide improves the approach angle (+3.1 to as a dealer-installed option, providing up 32 degrees), breakover angle (+1.6 to 23 Publisher / Advertising Director to a 2-inch front and 1-inch rear lift on degrees), and departure angle (+0.5 to 24 most V6-powered 4×4 Tacomas. Best of degrees). Garnett Forkum all, this kit was designed and tested by The icing on this ruggedly tasty cake TRD engineers and is the only one vali- clearly must be the TRD Pro-style front dated to be compatible with the Toyota grille, which is highlighted by heritage- IT & Art Director Safety Sense (TSS) system. inspired TOYOTA lettering across the Tacoma owners are already very accus- front. The kit includes a new Toyota Allen Forkum tomed to getting off the beaten path and Safety Sense (TSS) system millimeter- exploring the great outdoors, and the wave sensor (and new camera support Tacoma TRD Lift Kit is designed to bracket) that is designed to precisely fit Copy Editor complement and enhance that lifestyle within the grille to retain the function- thanks to the added ground clearance and ality of the TSS system once the kit is Tom Williams improved approach, departure and break- installed. This is the only lift kit validated over angles it provides. to be completely TSS-compatible. Also At the heart of the kit are new mono- included are two matching black bezels Contributors tube Bilstein shocks that adopt digres- that fill in the deleted fog lamps and com- sive valving to provide improved on- and plement the TRD Pro-style grille. John Yoswick, Steve McLinden off-road vehicle dynamics. Specifically The Tacoma TRD Lift Kit comes with designed to complement the additional all the necessary hardware for installation Jay Hirsch, David Bry lift, each Bilstein shock is fitted with new and is only offered as a dealer-installed Robert Bravender, Richard Diegle TRD red dust boots and “Tuned by TRD” option. Manufacturer suggested retail graphics. Offering more than good looks, pricing for the kit is $1,350 (not including Tom Williams the front shocks provide an additional 2 labor, which is estimated at 4-5 hours). inches of lift thanks to the adjustment of The Tacoma TRD Lift Kit is available the coil spring position on the shock tube. for all V6-powered 4×4 models, with the Advertising Sales The front shocks also improve off-road exception of Double Cab Long Bed Taco- performance thanks to extended rebound mas and TRD Pro (2WD and 4-cylinder Marj Pierce stroke that makes use of the additional models are also excluded). suspension travel. The Tacoma TRD Lift Kit comes backed Phone: (901) 466-0903 The rear Bilstein shocks employed in by the same warranty as all TRD accesso- Cell: (901) 497-0926 the kit also enhance off-road performance ries, which includes a 3-year, 36,000-mile thanks to their larger shock body com- warranty on parts if it is installed prior [email protected] pared to the standard Tacoma shock (2 to or at the time of the sale, or a 1-year, inches vs. 1.5 inches). The larger shock 12,000-mile warranty on parts if installed body houses additional oil volume to afterward. help dissipate heat and improve damping For more information, contact your Tom Williams response on demanding off-road terrain. local Toyota dealer, visit TRDusa.com Phone: (615) 757-3042 The larger rear shock bodies also accom- or find the dealer nearest you on Toyota. modate larger pistons compared to stock com. (AP) • Fax: (888) 607-0921 and they employ a piston rod that is 4mm [email protected]

AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report is published every month by AutoGraphic Publishing Company, Inc. Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction Join Our Team: We are a growing on- of any contents, graphic or editorial, without permission is prohibited. Member line publication with over 250K hits a month in of . AAR accepts no responsibility for opinions of writers or for claims made by advertisers. Views expressed by writers are not necessarily need of more sales personnel. We are looking those of the publication. Direct comments and suggestions to: Editor Barry For- for self-motivated individuals with sales experi- kum via mail 1121 Airport Center Drive, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37214 or email [email protected]. ence. A background in automotive parts or auto repair is a plus. Our sales people work part time If you would like to be added to our email list, to be notified when our next issue or full time from home and must provide their is posted on-line go to our web-site and sign up. www.automotivereport.net own computer and phone. No benefits. High For accounting questions, contact Garnett Forkum via email at Garnett@Auto- commission potential. Send your resume to motiveReport.net or call. [email protected] PHONE: (615) 391-3666 • FAX: (615) 391-3622 AutoGraphic Publishing Co. March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 5

WHOLESALE PARTS ALLSTARAUTOMOTIVE.COM DIVISION

History Timeline The All Star Automotive Group began in October 1987 All Star Ford/ Lincoln 1987, when a partnership was formed by Mat- 1989 All Star Dodge (Denham Springs) thew G. McKay and John B. Noland. They purchased Lousteau Ford, Lincoln/Mercury in Gonzales, LA and 1994 All Star named it All Star Ford, Lincoln/Mercury. This became 1997 All Star Ford the fi rst of a very impressive portfolio of top brand 1999 All Star Nissan automotive dealerships in the South. Throughout the next 34 years, All Star Automotive Group grew 2001 All Star Kia of Baton Rouge to expand its offerings. In 2008 Matthew G. McKay 2003 All Star Parts Warehouse became sole owner of All Star Automotive Group. 2004 All Star Hyundai All Star Automotive Group has enjoyed continued 2005 All Star Toyota Baton Rouge growth and success due to its commitment to cus- 2005 All Star Scion Baton Rouge tomer service from the ground up. Every employee is dedicated to maintaining a reputation of quality, 2005 All Star Isuzu Trucks integrity and extraordinary customer service. This 2010 All Star Chevrolet North (Baker) combination of values adds up to an impressive list 2010 All Star Kia of Baton Rouge East of satisfi ed customers. 2010 All Star Volvo of Baton Rouge At All Star we pledge to provide you with a posi- 2011 All Star Chrysler/Jeep/Ram tive experience. Our willing and helpful staff will do their best to assist in a courteous, respectful, up- (Denham Springs) front and helpful manner.

225.298.8080 • 1.800.779.0794 ONE CALL DOES IT ALL! Let All Star Parts Distribution Center be your one stop shop for parts inventory

All locations comply with the ADA Find us on Facebook at standards and are accessible. facebook.com/AllStarAutoLA 6 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

who are able to do those.” landlord. ... shops can learn from it Growth plans vary New private equity opportunities MSOs also have differing outlooks and Readers who saw “MSO” in the head- plans for future growth. Crash Champi- line and expected to see information here Continued from page 1 Are MSOs using factory or aftermarket ons added 10 locations in 2020, and Ebert about Caliber Collision, Gerber Collision mation.” scan tools — or mobile or remote scanning thinks the pandemic and economic down- and Service King may be surprised at the Matt Ebert, CEO of Crash Champions, services? Most say it’s a combination, and turn have played some role in the compa- MSOs offering their perspectives here. which has 50 locations across six U.S. they are taking various approaches to what ny’s growth. One reason: There’s now more private states, agreed that some of any return he they do in-house versus what they sublet to “I think there [are shop owners who] are equity investment money making its way has seen is more intangible. others. having conversations with us about maybe into new or smaller MSOs in the indus- “There’s things that we can’t measure, “We see this as a growing part of our selling that wouldn’t have talked a year try (including some of those mentioned like the level of confidence that it gives business, and we’ve really embraced this ago, just because of the uncertainty,” Ebert above). our customers, and the same with insur- high-tech portion of the industry, ADAS said. “Maybe before they wanted a few “I think the Big Three are primed to con- ers, as well as even our technicians fix- work,” Amberson said. “We’ve tried to more years before they considered it. Now tinue growth, but I think the most exciting ing the ,” Ebert said. “I think as far as develop our own internal expertise in it. So they might have that conversation.” part for the industry is that there’s been counting exact referrals from being OEM we use a combination of aftermarket and Other MSOs said they are currently less this emerging middle market, with several certified, I don’t think that’s there. But it’s factory scan tools. Frankly, we believe it’s focused on acquisitions. private equity entries into this space,” said starting to be important to insurers when less a question of what type of scan tool “I frankly see it as a pretty good place Jerod Guerin, chief executive officer at they refer work, if you’re certified or not. you use. We believe in high-quality ones, in the market to be,” Amberson said of Quality Collision Group, a MSO launched So there’s some sort of return. I just don’t whether factory or aftermarket. But the his company’s footprint in the Twin Cities last fall backed by the private equity firm [know] how measurable it is.” more important question is how competent market. “I would see our company con- Susquehanna International. Darrell Amberson said the business the individual who is using it is. Once in tinuing to grow but at a more modest pace, That opens new opportunities for shops model at LaMettry’s Collision, which has a while you run into a situation where [an growing more within our region, a shop looking for funding to grow their business 10 collision shops and two mechanical aftermarket] scan tool may not get into a or two every year, something along those — or looking to sell. shops in the Minneapolis-St. Paul mar- given module. We want to have the tech be lines.” “A couple years ago there might have ket, includes many dealer relationships, so competent that they know they have to Kendrick, too, said he is more focused been a sentiment that if you didn’t sell dur- so OEM certifications have been a priority get a factory scan tool, or another aftermar- on internal growth within the company. ing that 2012 to 2017 time frame, maybe even if a return has been limited. ket one, that will get into that module.” “I think COVID has brought some oppor- you missed the boat,” Guerin said. “I think “We look at it as a long-term investment. Ebert said Crash Champions, too, has both tunities; I was able to bring some very tal- that what you’ve seen over the past 12 to It’s part of our character,” Amberson said. factory and aftermarket scan tools, but also ented people on board that were laid off 18 months is that is anything but the case, “Some of the high-end [automaker] pro- sublets some of the work out. to help us grow as a better organization,” with the entries of these additional private grams, in particular, take a long time to get “We actually have another company that Kendrick said. equity companies and the forming of these a return on investment, if you can get it at is ours that does the scanning and calibra- Kelly said his company “looks for new middle market MSOs. There’s going all, because some of them are quite expen- tions,” he said. “I saw early on that this was opportunities” to add shops but is being to be plenty of opportunity in 2021 and sive. But we do measure how many cus- going to become a bigger and bigger part “real selective” currently. beyond to take advantage of some of these tomers say they came to us because of our of the repair process. So the way we have “I want to grow [revenue] back to where opportunities, if that’s something that inter- certification, and that number has grown it set up, the guys in the shop are able to do we were pre-COVID first,” Kelly said. ests you.” significantly in recent years. So we know most of the pre- and post-scans. With the New impacts on real estate value That’s something that was unexpected it’s going in the right direction.” more difficult ones, we have mobile guys Last fall’s “MSO Symposium” was the to Rex Green, an investment banker who Mixed methods on scanning in a market with all the factory scanners first in the event’s nine year history to in 2013 accurately predicted at least one include a panel discussion focused on real MSO would have 1,000 locations within estate, and the speakers focused on some five years (Caliber did). He knew the larg- topics that could be equally of interest to est MSOs would continue to grow, but he Do you know: single-location collision repairers as well. didn’t foresee seven years ago the growth …how this symbol “< >” on an estimate could Gary Chou, executive vice president of he’s seen in smaller MSOs as well. commercial real estate brokerage firm “One of the things that’s most surprised mean a loss of $60+ on many repair jobs? Matthews Real Estate Investment Ser- me is the ability of two-, three- or four-store vices, said unlike five years ago, outside chains to get to 10 or 14 or 16 or 18 stores,” …how Geico responded when a federal judge investors such as real estate investment Green said. “The beauty of this economy trusts (REITs) now see collision shop and this society is that it constantly sur- asked when the insurer does and doesn’t pay for properties “as a legitimate investment prises me with its entrepreneurialism and vehicle scans? product.” creativity.” • “That’s helped push values of colli- sion properties up, because it basically John Yoswick, a freelance writer based …how much the average painter or body tech increases the buyer pool overall,” Chou in Portland, Ore., who has been writing in your state is making? said. about the automotive industry since 1988, That also offers another option for a is also the editor of the weekly CRASH Net- shop owner who sells the business to a work bulletin (www.CrashNetwork.com). CRASH Network subscribers know! large MSO — which is unlikely to want to He can be contacted by email at john@ buy the real estate — who wants to cash CrashNetwork.com. out the property rather than continue as The weekly source of collision repair news and information you won’t find anywhere else! ALL STAR DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM 2590 Range Park Drive Denham Springs, LA 70726 Parts Direct: (225) 298-8080 Toll Free: (800) 779-0794 Fax: (504) 664-7871 www.allstarautomotive.com

In head-to-head testing, Mopar® Remanufactured Parts beat the aftermarket, hands down. Give us a call. We’ll show you the results, and deliver the parts you need, fast. Subscribe now! Go to:

2021 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. © CHECK OUT MOPARREPAIRCONNECTION.COM FOR RESOURCES, FIAT is a registered trademark of FCA Group Marketing S.p.A., used under license by FCA US LLC. www.crashnetwork.com/report PROMOTIONS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION.

43940_HR24_8th_AR.indd 1 1/15/21 1:49 PM March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 7

Ford Memphis Our professional Parts Specialists are experienced and trained to get you the right part the fi rst time!

Call us for all your Ford parts needs! www.autonationfordmemphis.com Choose Ford Remanufactured Diesel Engines We have a huge inventory of Genuine Ford Parts and Accesso- ries. We specialize in Power Stroke Diesel Engines, Transmissions, per- formance parts and accessories or any of your other genuine Ford Parts needs. 901-362-7381 • 800-388-6457 - Delivery in the Metro Area THREE times a day! - Nightly deliveries in designated areas! - Daytime deliveries in designated areas of Arkansas, Mississippi & Tennessee!

2515 Mount Moriah Rd. • Memphis, TN 38115 • Fax 901-794-2360 8 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

GM sets goal of going largely electric by 2035

By AP Wire Service power its electric vehicles and to promote their use. General Motors has set a goal of mak- To account for carbon emissions that it ing the vast majority of the vehicles it cannot eliminate, GM expects to invest in produces electric by 2035, and the entire carbon credits or offsets company carbon neutral, including opera- The 112-year-old auto giant unveiled tions, five years after that. a new corporate logo last month to sig- The Detroit automaker’s push into elec- nify its new direction as it openly pivots tric vehicles has gone into overdrive this to electric vehicles. It wants to be seen year. as a clean vehicle company, rather than GM has already announced that it will a builder of cloud-spewing gas-powered invest $27 billion in electric and autono- pickups and SUVs. mous vehicles in the next five years, a GM scrapped its old square blue logo 35% increase over plans made before the for a lower case gm surrounded by round- pandemic. It will offer 30 all-electric mod- ed corners and an ‘m’ that looks like an els worldwide by the middle of the de- electrical plug. cade. By the end of 2025, 40% of its U.S. It also announced a new partnership models will be battery electric vehicles. with Microsoft last month with hopes of Toll Free 877-333-3410 The company plans to include crossovers, accelerating its rollout of electric, self- SUVs, sedans and trucks in its electric ve- driving cars. Parts Direct 502-499-5076 hicle lineup. GM’s push for carbon neutrality comes GM said that it will source 100% re- a day after President Joe Biden signed ex- newable energy to power its U.S. sites by ecutive orders that include moving to an Fax (502) 493-5649 2030 and global sites by 2035. That’s five all-electric federal vehicle fleet. His goal [email protected] years faster than its previously announced is to transform the nation’s heavily fossil- • 30% Wholesale Discounts global goal. fuel powered economy into a clean-burn- • We Will Meet Most After-Market Pricing And it has a goal of making all new ing one. light-duty vehicles, the vast majority of So far, Wall Street has cheered the its fleet, fully electric within 14 years. shift by GM which says the industry has The company will concentrate on offering reached a history-changing inflection zero-emissions vehicles in different price point for mass adoption of electric ve- ranges. It’s also working with others, in- hicles. Its shares this year have outpaced www.louisvilleinfinitiparts.com - 8 AutoCenter Drive, Louisville, KY 40299 cluding the Environmental Defense Fund, even high-flying Tesla, rising more than to build out the necessary infrastructure to 20% to date. (AP) • Volkswageng BMW of LOUISVILLE of Clarksville Parts Direct 502-499-4552 • 800-843-4750 [email protected] • $900,000 in Parts Inventory • Professional and Courteous Staff • Free Local Delivery Adam Fawbush, Parts Manager • [email protected] • Parts Fax 502-499-4476 Hours: Mon. to Fri. 7:30AM to 6:00PM • Sat. 8:00AM to 5:00PM 2200 Blankenbaker Pkwy Louisville, KY 40299 • www.louisvillebmw.com

Volvo Cars of Louisville DAILY DELIVERIES TO , CINCINNATI, EVANSVILLE & LEXINGTON 5 Auto Center Drive Louisville, KY 40299

Parts Direct: 866-452-9214 • 800-228-9086 • 502-493-3336 (812) 218-5281 Genuine Volvo Parts are designed and Fax: (812) 280-6391 engineer to keep your customer safe, www.volkswagenofclarksville.com after the repair! Use Genuine Volvo 406 E. Lewis & Clark Parkway Clarksville, IN 47129 Parts from Volvo Cars of Louisville.

Adam Fawbush, Parts Manager [email protected]

Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8:00AM - 6:00PM • Sat. 8:00AM - 3:00PM • volvooflouisville.com March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 9

Toyota to add electric plug- THE RIGHT FIT STEVE LANDERS CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM in hybrid vehicles next year FOR THE PERFECT FINISH. 401 Colonel Glenn Plaza Loop Little Rock, AR 72210 By AP Wire Service Parts Direct: (501) 569-4070 choices that meet their needs,” said Gill Toll Free: (888) 587-4887 Pratt, chief scientist for Toyota. Fax: (501) 569-4082 DETROIT — Toyota says it will roll Pratt said it doesn’t make sense to have www.landerscountry.com out two new battery-electric vehicles and a huge battery that can take a vehicle 300 one plug-in gas-electric hybrid in the U.S. miles (480 kilometers) when the average this year as the parade of new EVs contin- U.S. round-trip commute is 32 miles (52 PROTECT YOUR CUSTOMER’S INVESTMENT WITH ORIGINAL ues. kilometers). MOPAR® PARTS The company gave few specifics on the “You end up carrying around a lot of ex- vehicles during a presentation last month tra battery mass,” he said. but said one would be an Its best to have a diversity of solutions SUV. Toyota said it has a goal of having like Toyota offers, such as full hybrids, CHECK OUT MOPARREPAIRCONNECTION.COM FOR 40% of its new vehicle sales be electrified plug-in hybrids, battery electric and hy- RESOURCES, PROMOTIONS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION. ©2021 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are by 2025 and nearly 70% by 2035. It also is drogen-fuel-cell vehicles, Pratt said. registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. developing dedicated underpinnings to be The announcement comes as automak- used in future electric vehicles. ers continue to roll out new electric ve- 26899_COL11_8th_AR.indd 1 1/15/21 1:06 PM Toyota broke from other automakers _ hicles, even though fully electric vehicles and possibly the administration of Presi- were less than 2% of U.S. new vehicle dent Joe Biden in calling for a diversity of sales last year. It also comes as the Biden RED McCOMBS FORD electrified vehicles to reduce carbon emis- administration moves toward adding a www.redmccombsford.com sions, rather than putting policies in place half-million EV charging stations and tries that require those powered solely by bat- to swap out much of the federal vehicle We Specialize in Power Stroke Parts and Service! teries. fleet with electric vehicles. The company, which pioneered the gas- General Motors has a target of selling - OEM Perfect Fit Every Time - No-Risk Core Return electric hybrid, said its research shows only battery-powered light vehicles by Parts: that plug-in hybrids can be as clean, and 2035. GM plans to spend $27 billion to - Nationwide Unlimited Mileage Warranty less costly than full battery-electric ve- develop 30 EVs by 2025, with two thirds (210) 357-1420 with No Commercial Exception* hicles, depending on the cleanliness of of them being available in the U.S. electric-power generation in a particular The company announced details about (800) 292-7109 - Same or Next Day Delivery region. Also, metals such as lithium must an electric Bolt small SUV last month. - Competitive Prices be mined for use in batteries, and the min- Hyundai, Kia, Volvo and others also have Fax: (210) 530-3040 Ask Parts Advisor for warranty details. ing process creates pollution, Toyota said. plans to announce new EVs for this year. * “We believe the fastest way to lower (AP) • greenhouse gases in the transportation sector is to offer drivers lower carbon

Parts 800-960-1157 • Oldest Toyota Dealer in Louisiana! 225-408-1240 • 27 time President’s Fax 225- 408-1249 Award winner! THE LARGEST TOYOTA DEALER IN LOUISIANA! If you’re buying Toyota, Lexus or Nissan parts, why not buy from the best! It has been our dedication to our customers that has caused the success of our dealership. Our Inventory, Delivery, and Service to you has made Price LeBlanc what it is today!

LEXUS 13200 Airline Hwy Baton Rouge, LA 70817 13200 Airline Hwy Baton Rouge, LA 70817 14295 Airline Hwy, Gonzales, LA 70817 www.priceleblanctoyota.com www.priceleblanclexus.com www.priceleblancnissan.com 10 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

ficial intelligence” (AI) within the industry estimate to the shop and to the customer Collision repairers, insurers in terms of estimate preparation or audit- quicker; write more estimates with the ing. same amount of staff; and get payments “I’m probably going to be cursed by into customer hands faster than we have in and OEM weigh in on issues some of the folks on this call, but I think the past.” what artificial intelligence is going to do is Darrell Amberson, president of opera- By John Yoswick cle,” he said. take a lot of the labor out of both the body tions for LaMettry’s Collision, a chain of MacDonald, who previously helped shop and the insurance industry,” invest- 10 collision repair and two mechanical Collision industry events in the United build collision shop programs for Aston ment banker Rex Green said. “That should repair shops in Minnesota, said he thinks States have continued to be held “virtu- Martin and Tesla, said he is developing be welcomed, but it will be disruptive.” development of artificial intelligence in ally” this year, bringing together panel a similar program for Lucid, with an eye Chris Andreoli of Progressive Insurance estimating will present some interesting discussions including collision repairers, toward ensuring a return on investment by said he foresees AI within the industry dynamics. automakers and insurers. The moderator participating shops. moving forward in phases, with only what “Right now the insurers are using it of one such online panel discussion asked “That means doing more than one he called “verified artificial intelligence” more and more for auditing,” Amberson automaker representatives on the call to once every six months,” MacDonald said. being available in the near term. said. “We’re spending more and more time respond to the view — which he said was “I don’t need 5,000 body shops tomor- “It’s not that some AI is spitting out being questioned on lots of items on esti- put forth by insurers on another panel dis- row. We’ll work with a select few in the final estimates this year,” Andreoli said. “I mates. As artificial intelligence grows to cussion — that OEM repair procedures are beginning just as we begin to roll things think of it as sort of an efficiency accelera- the point where systems can become good “subjective.” out. Then as the [Lucid vehicle population] tor. You know when you click on a form at automating the estimate, it will be inter- George Irving, senior manager of ser- grows, we’ll open that up and bring shops online and the computer can fill out most esting. The elephant in the room is insur- vice and collision operations for Toyota, on as appropriate.” of the form, and you just tweak or correct ance companies are enjoying photo-esti- said he’d use the same one-word response Insurers in the United States have been some errors on it? I think similarly we can mating because it [produces] a very modest that World War II Army General Anthony handling virtually all claims remotely dur- use AI, and will be doing that at this early estimate, and there’s an obvious financial McAuliffe did to a German surrender ulti- ing the pandemic, and insurance company stage in the near term. It’s not going to be, benefit for the insurance company, paying matum at the Battle of the Bulge: “Nuts!” representatives on one panel said that is ‘Hey, the computer wrote the estimate and that modest amount. Once the estimat- “How somebody can see the technology likely to continue. this is the be-all end-all to the estimate.’ ing gets better, will they still embrace it? that we have in a vehicle and say they’re “Prior to COVID, we were scratching No, we’ve got to work together closely, Because, frankly, if automated estimating smarter than the Toyota engineers who put our heads, wondering how much custom- just the way we do with photo-estimating. gets good, that’s going to drive up the cost it together is totally beyond me,” Irving ers would accept a touchless claims expe- Just like today when you write an estimate for the insurers, and what will their reac- said. “Fix ’em the way the engineers tell us rience,” Chris Evans of State Farm said. in-person, it goes to the shop and there’s tion be? I don’t know. It will be fascinating to fix ’em.” “We went to 99.2 percent virtual inspec- some modifications. That stuff is all going to watch.” • He noted that anyone viewing Toyota tion activity toward the end of last March, to continue to happen. AI will facilitate procedures online can use a “bubble in the and it’s just phenomenal how we were able the work, it will increase efficiency. But I John Yoswick, a freelance writer based upper right hand corner” of the screen to to make that transition. There’s a lot more don’t think in the near-term it will replace in Portland, Ore., who has been writing give the automaker feedback on the proce- customer acceptance. I think, long term, the need for a qualified set of eyes to final- about the automotive industry since 1988, dures. we’ve proven that virtual works, and I ize that estimate, and work with the shop is also the editor of the weekly CRASH Net- “Anyone who says they don’t have a think you’re going to see more of it.” to get to the place you need to in order to work bulletin (www.CrashNetwork.com). voice [in them] hasn’t been looking at Toy- Sandee Lindorfer, auto line director fix the car. But some of these innovations He can be contacted by email at john@ ota repair procedures,” Irving said. for Allstate focused on what she sees as can improve cycle time to get an initial CrashNetwork.com. • John Eck, a collision manager for Gen- the benefits of virtual claims handling for eral Motors agreed. shops. “To say you don’t have to follow “We’re not in their shops, which helps the OEM procedures [from those who] keep them healthy, and it also offers them GENESIS OF PLANO designed, built and engineered those vehi- efficiency gains,” she said. “ If you think cles, doesn’t make sense,” Eck said. “It’s about adjusters coming into a shop, they just something that’s not negotiable, and I interact with the folks in the office. Many GENESIS OF PLANO GENESIS PARTS: would challenge anyone having their own know the folks who work in the shop, so 909 Coit Road 800-955-5388 • Direct 972-202-2200 vehicle repaired to question whether or not they stop and chat with them to be friendly. Plano, TX www.huffi nesgenesisplano.com they would want the OEM repair proce- Then they work with an estimator or man- dures followed.” ager. You think about all the time that • 12 Delivery Trucks Andy MacDonald of Lucid Motors, the adjuster takes from a shop throughout the • Free Delivery to Texas, California-based company whose first day. When we do a virtual interaction, Oklahoma and Louisiana electric vehicles are expected to be released it’s a one-on-one interaction, and it’s very • Genuine Genesis Parts as early as this month, said the company efficient. [Shops] also can reach us when is developing a portal for its repair proce- it’s convenient for them. When we physi- dures, “information that’s critical to our cally inspected cars, we were more on our Mon. - Fri. 7 to 7 own customers’ well-being.” If someone schedule rather than the shop’s schedule. Saturday 8-5 “takes a subjective view and thinks they So there are lots of wins for the shop.” know better, I’d be interested to hear it, but A topic discussed during multiple virtual I wouldn’t want it practiced on my vehi- industry meetings has been the use of “arti- Gallatin Your NEWEST Genuine Parts Source Collision / Mechanical Honda Parts Contact Our Dedicated Wholesale Staff at 615-461-2016 - Fax 615-461-2010 2109 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN 37066 Patrick Murphy, Parts Director [email protected] Hours Mon. to Fri. 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM - Sat. 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Keep It All Honda All The Time. March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 11

Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat production starts

THE LARGEST WHOLESALE PARTS DEALER IN MISSISSIPPI!

Overnight Service to Mississippi and

Auburn Hills, Mich. - February 4th marked the start of production for the new Central Louisiana when order in by 4:00pm. 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat at the 3 million-square-foot Detroit Assembly Complex - Jefferson (DACJ). “Like welcoming a new member to the family, today’s launch of the Durango Power Stroke Diesel Engines & Components! SRT Hellcat celebrates the newest addition to the Brotherhood of Muscle,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge Brand and Interim Chrysler Brand Chief Executive Officer 60,000 Genuine Ford Parts in Stock! - Stellantis. “The Dodge Durango Hellcat joins Charger and Challenger at the pin- nacle of performance, and today’s start of production in Detroit deserves a spot on every enthusiast’s calendar.” Approximately 2,000 2021 Durango SRT Hellcats will be produced for the U.S. market. Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat models are scheduled to begin arriving at dealer- ships in spring 2021. The most powerful SUV ever is only available for the 2021 model year and comes with a starting U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $80,995, excluding $1,495 destination. The Durango SRT Hellcat is the most powerful SUV ever, delivering 710 horse- power and 645 lb.-ft. of torque from the proven supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® Hellcat V-8 engine paired with the quick-shifting TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission. The Durango SRT Hellcat has a 0-60 mile-per-hour (mph) time of 3.5 seconds, a quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.5 seconds as certified by the National Association (NHRA) and a top speed of 180 mph. No SUV in the world can tow more or carry more with a faster quarter-mile time than the Durango SRT Hellcat.The Durango has best-in-class towing capac- ity across its lineup. The supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Hellcat V-8, legendary 392-cubic-inch HEMI V-8 and classic 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 with the Tow N Go Package outhaul every full-size, three-row SUV on the road, with a towing capa- bility of 8,700 lbs. The award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine has a towing capability of 6,200 lbs. •

LANDERS DODGE THE RIGHT FIT CHRYSLER JEEP RAM FOR THE PERFECT FINISH. 2701 Benton Road Bossier City, LA 71111 Check out MoparRepairConnection.com for resources, Parts Direct: (601) 956-7008 promotions and technical information. Parts Direct: (318) 797-1236 Toll Free: (800) 259-4331 Fax: (318) 841-6220 www.golanders.com Toll Free: (800) 898-3673

PROTECT YOUR CUSTOMER’S INVESTMENT Fax: (601) 952-2821 WITH ORIGINAL

MOPAR® PARTS

Authentic Mopar® Parts are built to fit perfectly and function properly every time. This ensures that your customers are getting the highest quality parts manufactured to meet the original specifications and safety standards of their vehicle. Providing more peace of mind for each customer you serve.

©2021 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. www.machaikfordjackson.com

45160_COL10_6th_AR.indd 1 1/15/21 4:34 PM 12 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

Recalls Ford safety recalls 2020 F-Series Super Duty trucks with 6.7-liter engines Compiled from AP, manufacturer, EPA and NHTSA news releases. Safety recall for select 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty vehicles with 6.7-liter engines for labels with incorrect payload information. MERCEDES-BENZ is recalling 41,838 2020 and 2021 GL series Affected vehicles display overstated payload capacity values on the tire and loading information label, overstated accessory reserve capacity values on the vehicles to upgrade stablity-control module software to correct a safety certification label, and overstated weight values on the truck camper load- problem when the vehicle is driven in an extreme evasive-driving ing documentation. If the vehicles are loaded to the payload stated on the tire situation. The original program could apply torque to one of the front and loading information label, they may exceed the gross vehicle weight rating or gross axle weight rating. This may result in tire loading beyond rated capacity, wheels which could pull the vehicle to one side. suspension overload and increased stopping distance, which could increase the risk of a crash. FORD MOTOR CO. is issuing safety compliance and safety recalls This action affects 9,979 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty vehicles in the U.S. and federal territories and 1,750 in Canada. They were built at Kentucky Truck in North America.Safety compliance recall for select 2020-21 Ford Plant from May 13, 2019 to, Sept. 19, 2020. F-Series vehicles for windshield adhesion. Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition. Affected vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Owner notifications will begin the week of March 22. Dealers will replace the tire and loading information label, safety certification label and, if needed, the Standards because the front windshields are inadequately bonded to truck camper loading document. The Ford reference number for this recall is the vehicle body structure. In the event of a crash, the windshield 21S06. • may not adequately stay in place, which may increase the risk of occupant injury. This action affects 79,017 vehicles in the U.S. and federal terri- Nissan recalls 354K Pathfinders for brake light tories, 6,986 in Canada and 1,347 in Mexico, including: 2021 Ford problem F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Truck Plant from Oct. 27, 2020, to DETROIT — Nissan is recalling more than 354,000 Pathfinder SUVs worldwide, Feb. 3, 2021 and the 2020-21 Ford Super Duty vehicles built at Ken- some for a second time, because the brake lights can stay on all the time. tucky Truck Plant from Oct. 13, 2020, to Jan. 23, 2021.Ford is not The recall covers certain Pathfinders from the 2013 through 2015 model years. The aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition. automaker says a stop lamp relay can get stuck in the on position. The problem can limit engine power and let drivers shift out of park or start the engine without a foot on the Owner notifications will begin the week of April 6. Dealers will brake pedal. remove and reinstall the windshield using standard service proce- The 2013 and 2014 models were first recalled in 2016. The latest recall has a new dures. The Ford reference number for this recall is 21C06. repair and adds the 2015 model year. Nissan says it’s aware of one crash after recall repairs were made, but no injuries. Dealers will inspect and reposition the switch if necessary starting in March. They also will replace a brake light relay, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Ad- ministration documents posted Thursday. The recall covers more than 267,000 Pathfinders in the U.S. • Mercedes recalls vehicles for emergency-call WE GOT YOU COVERED location error DETROIT — Nissan is recalling more than 354,000 Pathfinder SUVs worldwide, WHEREVER YOU ARE. some for a second time, because the brake lights can stay on all the time.

Mopar® Limited Warranty Coverage: Stronger Than the Aftermarket. The recall covers certain Pathfinders from the 2013 through 2015 model years. The automaker says a stop lamp relay can get stuck in the on position. The problem can limit engine power and let drivers shift out of park or start the engine without a foot on the brake pedal. The 2013 and 2014 models were first recalled in 2016. The latest recall has a new repair and adds the 2015 model year. Nissan says it’s aware of one crash after recall repairs were made, but no injuries. Dealers will inspect and reposition the switch if necessary starting in March. They also will replace a brake light relay, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Ad- ministration documents posted Thursday. The recall covers more than 267,000 Pathfinders in the U.S. •

FREDY KIA Biggest Inventory Who better to protect your customer’s vehicle than the company who built their vehicle? of Genuine Kia Parts Mopar® Vehicle Protection offers plenty of warranty options that fit any customer’s needs, whenever they’re needed. And, since we are the original equipment, it’s our job to maintain and service vehicles with the authentic parts that always function as good as new. in South Texas! See your dealer for complete warranty details. Call or email us your order today! [email protected] MCLARTY DANIEL CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM

2201 SE Moberly Lane (479) 250-3464 Bentonville, AR 72712 www.bentonvillecdjr.com 800-883-1933 • Direct (713) 941-0273 (713) 947-8053 Fax

©2021 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. FIAT is a registered trademark of FCA Group Marketing S.p.A., used under license by FCA US LLC. See your local FCA US LLC dealer for complete warranty details. 11711 Gulf Freeway • Houston, TX 77034

26750_GEN15_Q_AR.indd 1 2/17/21 11:26 AM March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 13

Ford issues recall for vehicles that may have had obsolete Takata air bag installed

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 18, 2021 – is issuing two safe- ty recalls in North America. The safety recall is for select vehicles that may have had obsolete Takata service Superior Service parts installed in collision and theft repairs after the Takata recall was completed Ford identified that certain Takata airbag modules were not purged from service Since 1973! stock after the parts for the permanent service fix became available. Following Free Local Delivery in the Metro New Orleans area! extensive investigation and tracing, Ford could not account for some of the obso- Large Inventory of Genuine Honda Parts lete Takata service parts, indicating they may have been installed on vehicles as Locally Owned and Operated part of collision or theft repairs. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this issue. This Parts Direct recall involves two distinct vehicle populations: 504-368-5687 Population 1 800-943-4227 Ford used dealer records to identify 1,117 vehicles with collision repairs that Fax: 504-368-8425 • [email protected] may have been done with an obsolete service part after the Takata recall was 1845 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA 70058 completed. This involves 1,067 vehicles in the U.S. and federal territories, 49 in www.superiorhonda.net Canada and one in Mexico. The group comprises certain 2004-11 Ford Ranger, 2005-14 Ford Mustang, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-12 Ford Fusion, 2009-11 Mercury Milan, 2010-12 Lincoln MKZ, 2007-10 Ford Edge and 2007-10 Lincoln MKX vehicles. Dealers will inspect the driver or passenger airbag inflator or module and replace, if necessary. Population 2 Ford was unable to locate 45 single-stage inflators that are compatible with 2004-06 Ford Ranger vehicles. It is possible that these obsolete Takata service parts were installed for repairs after collision damage or theft. This population involves 2004-06 Ford Ranger vehicles that had the Takata recall permanent repair performed before the service parts were purged, including Parts Direct 144,340 in the U.S. and federal territories, 8,762 in Canada and five in Mexico. 800-868-4118 At the request of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford 423-652-9896 is issuing a safety recall for all 153,107 of these vehicles, notifying owners that • Experienced Wholesale Parts Reps• Free Local Delivery• they can visit their dealer for an inspection and, if necessary, an airbag inflator Fax 423-652-9544 replacement. Parts Mgr. Dave Tollie Customer notifications will begin the week of March 8. The Ford reference Genuine Honda Parts [email protected] number for this recall is 21S05. • Mon. through Fri. 2130 Volunteer Parkway 8 AM - 5 PM Bristol, TN Safety recall for 1,666 Ford Bronco Sports Affected 2021 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles were produced with rear suspension modules that may not be fully secured to the subframe. Rear suspension modules Bill Gatton Acura Mazda with loose or missing bolts may affect the vehicle’s stability, increasing risk of an WHOLESALE accident, and may result in reduced rear impact crash performance, increasing the risk of injury. PARTS This action affects 1,640 vehicles in the U.S. and federal territories, 24 in Canada and two in Mexico. • Experienced-Knowledgeable Staff Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition. Affected vehicles were built in Mexico at Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly • Genuine OEM Parts Plant from July 22 to Nov. 24, 2020. • PartsTrader PREMIER Supplier Dealers will confirm that the rear suspension bolts are secured properly and replace them, if necessary. The Ford reference number for this recall is 21S04.• 800-868-5874 Direct

Harahan, LA 423-283-5349 Fax PD: (504) 734-3590 Fax: (504) 818-0997 [email protected] www.crescenttrucks.com Your Exclusive Tri-Cities Mazda and Acura Dealer

Ancira Nissan . . . We Do It All!

NISSAN Without a doubt, it can be a bit daunting to make sure you PLATINUM receive the exact right Ford & Power Stroke part for your Ford WHOLESALER Superduty, Transit Vanwagon, F-150, F-650-750 or Chassis Cab. But that’s exactly why our Crescent Truck Sales Inc. parts ex- perts are here. Across the Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans and Marrero regions, drivers know they can trust our experienced parts team to locate the right component for their vehicle. This means more piece of mind during repairs for your valued customers. Ancira Nissan San Antonio, TX - www.anciranissanparts.com (504) 734-3590 Parts Direct (210) 558-5025 - (800) 508-1117 - Fax (210) 558-5027 Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Saturday 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Sunday Closed Genuine Nissan Parts 14 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021 Retro Release

PONTIAC PROTOSPORT4 CONCEPT CAR

Pontiac, Michigan -- Pontiac ProtoSport4 is a can’t-be-ignored Scorch Red four-door, four seat concept in the V8, rear-wheel-drive tradition.

Introduced to the public at the 1991 North American International Auto Show, ProtoSport4 embodies the image statement that covers all vehicles that carry the Pontiac nameplate -- “A company known for innovative design and engineering that results in exciting products with outstanding performance and roadability.”

“We wanted ProtoSport4 to meet those goals and be an honest challenge to audiences everywehere to picture themselves in a true sports car made for four,” explains Pontiac General Manager John G. Middlebrook.

“My assignment to our designers and engineers was to produce a four-door, ultra sporty, ultra high-performance car unlike anything in the current Pontiac line-up -- or anyone else’s line-up, said Middlebrook. “We wanted a car that was feasible right now and still would be contemporary into the next century.”

Pontiac exterior and interior designers moved the cockpit area forward on the ultra-long 120-inch ProtoSport4 wheelbase to provide true seating for rear seat occupants. Power is provided by a 4.0-liter double overhead cam, multi-port fuel- injected V8 developing 250 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 250 lbs/ft of torque at 4200 rpm. Its is a rear drive, all-wheel-steer model. • March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 15

Other key features of the 1991 Pontiac ProtoSport4 concept include: -- A carbon fiber body for additional strength. Honda 385 -- Unique 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels Daily Parts Delivery to West Tenn., Arkansas, & North Mississippi! -- Doors built with special hinge systems to allow full access for all occupants to enter or exit the car with no center structure. Large Inventory of Genuine Honda Parts -- LED in place of standard lighting in taillamps. -- High Intensity Discharge headlamps system using ultraviolet headlamps. -- Four-point belt systems for each occupants and air bags for front and rear seat occupants. -- A unique driver’s pod that includes controls and an analog gauge cluster reflect ed toward the front within the driver’s field of vision. -- Entertainment center for rear passengers; includes color monitors adaptable for TV or VCR display in headrest.

ProtoSport4 is the sixth in a line of Pontiac concept cars dating back to the Trans Sport in 1986. Followed by Pursuit (1987), Banshee (1988), Stinger (1989) and Sunfire (1990), each has embodied the elements of styling, performance and road- Continued on page 16

AutoNation Honda Call us for all 4030 Hacks Cross 31 S. Alabama Ave. Monroeville Alabama 36460 your Genuine Memphis, TN 38125 GM parts! Knowledgeable, Experienced Parts Professionals

A professional staff with years of parts Parts: (901)795-6326 experience plus daily local delivery. Call (800) 238-3094 Lee Motor Co. today. (800) 239-2898 Fax: (901) 367-4979 Fax: (251)575-7916 . www.leemotorcompany.com

Driven to Be the Best! 16 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

... 1991 ProtoSport4 concept include: Continued from page 15 ability that are recognized as “Pontiac” by auto show audiences worldwide.

“ProtoSport4 enhances Pontiac’s reputation of introducing a concept vehicle every year that is both futurisic and realistic to audiences,” says Middlebrook. GET REAL “In today’s world, reaching for distant technology and design features has only brought those eleements closer to real-world possibility,” say Middlebrook. “At Pontiac, we think the future that ProtoSport4 -- and its predecessors -- reflects is not that far out in time. In fact, the promise of Trans Sport and Banshee are already reality.

® “Almost anything on ProtoSport4 that is part of the design could be feasible on the GET MOPAR street in the near future.” says Middlebrook. “ Being a four-door and being able to carry four adults and their luggage with all the performance and handling of a sports AUTHENTIC MOPAR PARTS car makes it a much more practical car in today’s marketplace. •

January 1991, AutoGraphic Publishing Co. receive a media kit about Pontiac’s new concept car ProtoSport4. The exerpts and pictures you see are a portion of the information sent in the press kit. A couple of the more interesting features on the ProtoSport4 are the 19 and 20 inch wheels, which at the time were unheard of. But, today they are com- mon on most full size vehicles. Another is the LED lights which are just now ROGER WILLIAMS becoming standard features on most new vehicles. Call Us for Then Pontiac GM John G. Middlebrook mentioned other concept vehicles the Parts to CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP that had shown promise at that time: the “Trans Sport” and the “Banshee IV”. ® keep your He was correct on the Trans Sport it had a nine year run from 1990 - 1999 but 1102 Washington Drive customers the Banshee IV world never be on a name plate for Pontiac. Although it did Weatherford, TX 76086 Starting, steering Parts Direct: (817)599-5067 and Stopping influence the styling of the Gen. 4 Firebirds. Now I would like to address the pictures on the following page, what you Email: [email protected] see is a photo taken during the photo shoot for the ProtoSport4. I am sure Website: www.rogerwilliams.com CHECK OUT MOPARREPAIRCONNECTION.COM FOR RESOURCES, PROMOTIONS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION. the engineers and designers were asked to move the clay model around and then stage themselves in the picture. I can only speculate to the amount of time it took to pull off a photo shoot such as this and I am sure these guys ©2021 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. endured several shoots like this over the years. From my own research, they Magneti Marelli is a registered trademark of Magneti Marelli S.p.A.

68640_GEN5_Q_AR.indd 1 1/15/21 11:39 AM March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 17

were rarely included in press releases once it was published. Fortunately for us they made the final cut in the ProtoSport4 official press release. So then one has to question weather they thought they would be in it or not. As you can see the man in the white shirt, who I think is then Pontiac chief designer John Manoogian, who is part of a Q&A portion of the press release, seems all to ready too be done with this shoot. Then there is what appears to be a cardboard cutout of a man and woman in a loving embrace sitting on the table next to a model car. Very interesting guys. I would love to know the story behind this picture. • Editor Barry L. Forkum

LEXUS OF LEXINGTON PARTS DEPARTMENT Wholesale phone: 214-271-6767 Wholesale fax: 214-271-6920 800 number: 1-800-994-0238 Email: [email protected]

Our Parts Team Has Over 36 years experience Doug Anderson 22 years experience [email protected] Dana Prall 8 years experience [email protected] Cris Pineda 5 years experience [email protected] Kevin Folino 1 year experience [email protected]

Tech Support Hotline 1-855-828-4016 Se Habla Espanol

GENUINE LEXUS PARTS Toll Free 888-685-3987 LARGE INVENTORY Delivery within the Dallas metroplex DAILY DELIVERY Call Karl Haydon at We use: Collision Link, Repair Link, HOURS 8AM - 6PM M-F 859-233-5903 Parts Trader and offer price matching on SAT. 9AM - 3PM select aftermarket parts Call Jeff Cardenas at Fax: 859-233-5900 859-233-5902 1264 E. New Circle Rd Business hours 7AM-7PM Mon thru Friday, 8AM-5PM Sat Lexington, KY 40505 Rusty Wallis Volkswagen 12635 LBJ Freeway Garland, Texas 75041- www.rustywallisvw.com Good Old Fashioned Family Values 18 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

Ray Huffines Chevrolet HYUNDAI

Using aftermarket crash parts could leave your customer feeling like something is missing! Use Genuine Hyundai parts for perfect fi t and fi nish every time.

Genuine GM Powertrain Toll Free 800-955-6282 Parts Direct 972-202-2300

You do not have time for grey areas when ordering GM parts, call Ray Huffi nes Chevrolet! • 11 Salesmen • 12 Delivery Trucks • 12 Delivery Trucks • $3 Million Inventory • Extensive Collision Parts Inventory • $1,000,000 Inventory • Full Line Powertrain Engines and Transmissions • Free Delivery to Texas, • Free Delivery in Texas (call for details) Oklahoma, and Louisiana . repair • Extensive Collision Parts Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7 to 7; Sat. from 8 to 5 Inventory Fax: 972-596-5571 • www.huffines.net Toll Free 800-955-5388 Parts Direct 972-202-2200 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7 to 7; Saturday from 8 to 5 www.huffineshyundaiplano.com Fax: 972-202-2195 909 Coit Road,Plano, TX 75075 March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 19

not hand the men over to Japan while their breach of trust by diverting Nissan money Ex-Nissan boss’ accused smug- bid for a stay is pending before the U.S. for his personal gain. Ghosn said he fled Supreme Court, an attorney for the Tay- because he could not expect a fair trial, lors said. was subjected to unfair conditions in de- glers seek Supreme Court’s help Taylor, a former Green Beret and pri- tention and was barred from meeting his vate security specialist from Massachu- wife under his bail conditions. Ghosn has By AP Wire Service awaits them at the hands of the Japanese setts, and his son are wanted by Japan denied any wrongdoing. government,” their attorneys wrote. so they can be tried on charges that they The U.S. State Department agreed in BOSTON — An American father and The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals helped Ghosn, who formerly led Nissan October to hand the pair over to Japan, son accused of sneaking former Nissan in Boston refused to put the extradition on Motor Co., flee the country last year with but a Boston federal court judge put the boss Carlos Ghosn out of Japan in a box hold, finding that the Taylors are unlikely Ghosn tucked away in a box on a private extradition on hold shortly after after their asked the U.S. Supreme Court to halt their to succeed on the merits of their case. jet. lawyers filed an emergency petition. extradition so they have time to pursue an The Taylors are asking the Supreme The flight went first to Turkey, and then The judge rejected the petition in Janu- appeal. Court to halt the extradition until their to Lebanon, where Ghosn has citizenship ary, clearing the way for the extradition, Michael and Peter Taylor have fought case is fully considered by the 1st Circuit but which has no extradition treaty with before the lawyers appealed to the 1st Cir- for months to keep the U.S. government and, if necessary, the Supreme Court. Japan. cuit. (AP) • from handing the men over to Japan, say- U.S. officials had said they could- sur Ghosn was out on bail at the time and ing they can’t legally be extradited and render the men to Japan as early as last awaiting trial on allegations that he un- will be treated unfairly in Japan. Their month. But authorities now say they will derreported his income and committed a lawyers told the Supreme Court that the men would face harsh treatment in the Japanese criminal justice system. “The issues raised by petitioners merit full and careful consideration, and the stakes are enormous for them. The very least the U.S. courts owe the petitioners is a full chance to litigate these issues, in- cluding exercising their appellate rights, LONG-LEWIS FORD before they are consigned to the fate that of Hoover New electric truck Alabama’s Oldest Ford Dealer maker to finish first prototypes in March Alabama’s most qualifi ed Ford Power Stroke Parts

LORDSTOWN, Ohio — A fledgling Department with over 160 years of combined Ford electric vehicle maker in Ohio expects to complete the prototypes of its new in March and remains on target to Parts Experience start full production in the fall, the com- pany said recently. • 5 Wholesale Reps • 6 Local Delivery Trucks Lordstown Motors Corp. said it already has begun metal stamping and welding for • 3 Out-of-Town Delivery Trucks the Endurance All-Electric Pickup Truck prototypes, which will be used for testing. • 19,000 Square Feet of Genuine Ford, Full production of the Endurance pick- ups is slated to begin in September at the Motorcraft and Power Stroke Parts former General Motors assembly plant near Youngstown, which Lordstown Mo- tors bought in 2019. The company took over the plant after GM ended its more than 50 years of car manufacturing at the plant. The automaker employed 4,500 workers there just a few years ago. Lordstown Motors acquired the plant with the help of a $40 million loan from GM. The startup said it will hire hundreds of people to build the first line of Endur- ance trucks, but its long-term plan is to add thousands of jobs. It currently has nearly 350 workers, mainly at its Ohio headquarters and its research center in suburban Detroit. The company said it expects to have around 1,000 employees by year’s end. It also said that is working on plans that will be released later this year for a new electric that initially will be used as a recreational vehicle in a partnership with Camping World. The company announced earlier last month that it already has more than 100,000 orders for the light duty truck, which is mainly being sold to commercial Hoover, Ala. • 877-234-5664 • 205-989-3000 • [email protected] customers such as utility companies and Monday thru Friday 7 am to 5:30 pm; Saturday 8 am to 2 pm municipal governments. (AP) • 20 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021 Shop Profile

By Tom Williams

Nestled in a “holler” just south of Down- rari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati and town Nashville, Tenn., and almost under McLaren to name a few. Interstate 40 is one of the best-kept secrets They rely on manufacturer specialty in the Mid-South. But, German Motor- equipment for mechanical and electri- works is no secret to BMW owners. They cal diagnostics. They also offer A/C ser- come from all around to have their cars ser- vice and repair, brakes, clutch, drivetrain, viced, repaired, and babied. working in the family repair business at an something more. engine and transmission R&R, tire mount- Bret Meitzler and Jonathan Goetze both early age. In 2005, Goetze moved to Nash- Together they opened German Motor- ing and road-force balancing, plus wheel grew up in the automotive repair business. ville and also worked in the local BMW works on Oct. 1, 2015. The first store was alignment. Meitzler first got his love for cars in high dealership. Plus, he spent seven years as located in the West End area of Nashville, Their short list of what they don’t do is school. After high school, he enrolled in the a tech in a Nashville area Bentley which would seem like a natural fit. After restorations, collision repair, and engine Penn College automotive program where dealership. four years, they he got his foundation for the automotive With German names like Meitzler and outgrew that loca- repair industry. In 2007, Meitzler moved to Goetze, you might think Bret and Jona- tion and moved Nashville, Tenn. He hit the streets running than would be a couple of old guys who to their current and spent nine years working for a local tinkered with German cars as kids. Well, 17,000-square-foot BMW dealership before opening German you would be wrong. Jonathan Goetze and shop and office at Motorworks with Goetze. Bret Meitzler are a couple of 30-something 901 6th Avenue Goetze was born in California but grew guys who love what they do, grew weary South – the “hol- You’reup inCovered. the London, Ky., area where he started of the corporate dealer life and wanted ler.” From the very When you install a GM OE-quality engine, automatic transmission, beginning, their or transfer case, it comes with a 3-year/100,000-mile limited plan was to build a full-service dealer- warranty,* covering both the part and your labor. With our warranty, ship alternative by same- or next-day delivery from Powertrain Wholesale Program offering their cus- dealers, and OE quality, youYou’re have the coverage Covered. to complete your tomers more than just service. If a repairs with confidence. For all Whenyour powertrain you install a GM OE-quality engine, automatic transmission, customer just wants needs, call 1.866.OE.PARTS or transfer case, it comes with a 3-year/100,000-mile limited a quick oil change,

for a dealer location and warranty,* covering both the part and your labor. With our warranty, they will try to dis- courage “The Wait- technical assistance. same- or next-day delivery from Powertrain Wholesale Program ers” but generally dealers, and OE quality, you have the coverage to complete your won’t turn down the business. repairs with confidence. For all your powertrain Instead, German needs, call 1.866.OE.PARTS Motorworks prefers for a dealer location and to give each car a thorough inspec- technical assistance. German Motorworks Owners • Jonathan Goetze (L) & Bret tion and then hand Meitzler. (R) the customer a list of recommended You’re Saving. items to keep their car as safe and enjoy- and transmission rebuilds. When I asked The right parts and the right fit come together to save able as possible. Preventative maintenance them about my 1988 BMW 325i, for you time. So if your time is money, make it a genuine GM OE-quality part. Call 1.866.OE.PARTS today. is an important part of this shop’s mantra. instance, they simply said (almost in uni- “Best service possible requires us to pro- son): “We don’t do old cars.” vide service above and beyond the mini- Goetze and Meitzler both agreed their * Whichever comes first. Warranty applies to engines, transmissions, and transfer cases installed in passenger car and light-duty truck series most important asset is their team. Jona- 10-30. This warranty does not apply to any unit installed under the General Motors New-Vehicle Limited Warranty and covers only those parts mum,” Meitzler said. “One of the things that are marketed by GM as Goodwrench or GM Parts. Transfer cases purchased prior to 1/1/09 have a 2-year/24,000-mile limited warranty. ©2009 GM Corp. All rights reserved. that sets us apart is [that] while I am a ser- than Goetze’s wife is the office manager. You’re Saving. vice advisor, I was a technician…less of a Of the four techs, three are BMW Factory The right parts and the right fit come together to save sales mentality and more service mental- Trained, as are Bret and Jonathan, who also you time. So if your time is money, make it a genuine GM OE-quality part. Call 1.866.OE.PARTS today. ity.” holds a Factory Trained Bentley certificate. As they say on their website, German One tech is Tesla trained. Then, there is the Motorworks is a European specialty shop BMW certified parts manager. Speaking of * Whichever comes first. Warranty applies to engines, transmissions, and transfer cases installed in passenger car and light-duty truck series 10-30. This warranty does not apply to any unit installed under the General Motors New-Vehicle Limited Warranty and covers only those parts focusing on BMW, Porsche and exotic training, everybody has had some factory that are marketed by GM as Goodwrench or GM Parts. Transfer cases purchased prior to 1/1/09 have a 2-year/24,000-mile limited warranty. ©2009 GM Corp. All rights reserved. automobiles. They also perform basic training and Worldpac™training. maintenance on other European brands With just four techs and two owner/

GMQD09MG0000A_PT Movin Parts.indd GMSPO National 09 Powertrain Rebate800-437-7715 Ad for Movin Parts such as Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes- techs, German Motorworks averages an GIMXSMG9001 REEDERMovin’ Parts pg 4/c bl Benz and the occasional Land Rover. impressive 140 to 170 cars per month and 637-140073 3/1/09CHEVROLET X2/17/09 AM 865-687-7715 8.75” x 11.25” 8.5” x 11” SAFETY: 8” x 10.5” None 100% Other marques they welcome into the a one-to-five-day turn on each repair. They Clinton Hwy, Knoxville • Hours 8 to 5 Mon. thru Sat. • Knoxville Parts Connection Miller NA Davis shop include, Aston Martin, Bentley, Fer- Continued on page 23 Walterscheid Shelby Cohrs 1 Studio:Volumes:Studio:Documents:SPO:Powertrain:2009:GMQD09MG0000A_PT Movin Parts.indd

NOTES: Art is FPO. Schawk to insert final hi-res CMYK. IMAGES: 08GAPT00002_HR_RGB.tif (RGB; 56.41%), Genuine_GMParts_Pos_Blue_CMYK.ai (45.19%) COLORS:

FONTS: Goodwrench Klavika (Bold, Regular; OpenType)GMQD09MG0000A_PT Movin Parts.indd GMSPO National 09 Powertrain Rebate Ad for Movin Parts GIMXSMG9001 Movin’ Parts pg 4/c bl 637-140073 132281A01 3/1/09 X2/17/09 AM 8.75” x 11.25” 8.5” x 11” SAFETY: 8” x 10.5” None 100% RK RK Miller NA Davis RK Walterscheid NO Shelby Cohrs 1 Studio:Volumes:Studio:Documents:SPO:Powertrain:2009:GMQD09MG0000A_PT Movin Parts.indd RK 1 NOTES: Art is FPO. Schawk to insert final hi-res CMYK. IMAGES: 08GAPT00002_HR_RGB.tif (RGB; 56.41%), Genuine_GMParts_Pos_Blue_CMYK.ai (45.19%) COLORS:

FONTS: Goodwrench Klavika (Bold, Regular; OpenType) 132281A01.indd 1 2/16/09 6:33:38 PM 132281A01

RK RK RK NO RK 1

132281A01.indd 1 2/16/09 6:33:38 PM March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 21

470 Schillinger Rd, S. • Mobile, AL • Hours: M - F 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ; Sat. 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. (For Mon Delivery) ; Fax 251-633-7943 • Toll Free Fax 800-475-9091 • COURTEOUS, TRAINED PROFESSIONAL, WHO APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS • HONESTY • INTEGRITY • FAST, PERSONAL DELIVERY • BEST AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS • ONLY ONE QUESTION, WHY AREN’T YOU OUR CUSTOMER? 800-874-2777800-874-2777 PALMER’SPALMER’S WHOLESALEWHOLESALE DIVISIONDIVISION

Free Delivery - Seven Trucks Serving Lower Alabama, Florida Panhandle & Southeast Mississippi. From Ft. Walton Beach to Bay St. Louis, MS Also Hattiesburg, Meridian, Enterprise, Crestview, Pensacola, and of course Mobile.

Using aftermarket crash parts could leave your . 888-300-6635 - 251-338-1501 customer feeling like something is missing! Use Genuine Hyundai parts for perfect . Experienced, courteous staff fit and finish every time. . Free delivery - see above . Competitive pricing

Palmer’s Hyundai 7680 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL 36608 Hours Mon. thru Fri. 7 to 6 Sat. 8 to 4 22 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

Fiat Chrysler agrees to plead Daimler to spin off trucks, change guilty, pay $30M in UAW probe name to Mercedes-Benz

By AP Wire Service Training center credit cards paid for By AP Wire Service es. It has manufacturing locations all over more than $30,000 in meals for UAW of- the world, including in Cleveland, Ohio, DETROIT — Fiat Chrysler Automo- ficials at various restaurants in Southern FRANKFURT, Germany — German Woerth and Gaggenau, Germany, Sao biles US has agreed to plead guilty and California, the government said. automaker Daimler will split itself into Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, and Portland, pay a $30 million fine for a corruption “They did that with the hope that the two independent companies by spinning Oregon. Engines are made at the Detroit scandal at the union that represents its fac- company itself could possibly get more off its truck and bus division, a move the Diesel facility in Redford, Michigan. The tory workers, authorities said recently. favorable treatment from the union’s lead- company said would give both the free- division had revenue last year of 40.2 bil- Company representatives gave more ers” during labor negotiations, U.S. Attor- dom to operate more nimbly in a fast- lion euros ($48.1 billion) for trucks and than $3.5 million in cash and other things ney Matthew Schneider said. changing environment focussed on zero- 4.7 billion for buses. of value to senior officials at the United Indeed, an indictment returned in 2017 emission vehicles and software. One reason for the spinoff is that the Auto Workers, federal prosecutors in De- said Iacobelli and others set up a liberal The Stuttgart-headquartered company auto business and the truck business are troit said as they charged FCA with con- policy for credit cards to keep union of- said last month that a significant majority pursuing different technologies as they spiracy from 2009 to 2016. ficials “fat, dumb and happy.“ stake in the truck business would be dis- seek to reduce vehicle emissions. The Details of the payoffs have been public Iacobelli was sentenced to 5 1/2 years tributed to current shareholders, and that business is bringing out new for a few years and acknowledged during in prison in 2018, but the sentence was Daimler would “at the appropriate time” battery-powered models, while the truck guilty pleas by FCA employees and oth- recently reduced by 18 months due to his be renamed Mercedes-Benz, the brand business is investing in hydrogen ers. cooperation. Holiefield died in 2015; his name under which it sells luxury cars. technology. FCA spokeswoman Shawn Morgan wife pleaded guilty to a tax crime three CEO Ola Kallenius said the decision Company officials said that despite the confirmed the company’s planned guilty years later. was made because the businesses of mak- spinoff the two companies would still be plea and fine. The government’s investigation began ing luxury cars and heavy trucks and open to cooperating on new technology. Al Iacobelli was the head of labor re- at the training center but stretched to other buses “have very different structures.” He The market listing is subject to a de- lations at Fiat Chrysler and co-chairman corrupt acts at the UAW. Eleven officials said that two companies each focused on cision by an extraordinary shareholder of the UAW-Chrysler National Training have been convicted, including two for- their core business would be more flexible meeting of Daimler shareholders to take Center in Detroit. The government said he mer union presidents. Investigators found and make decisions faster as they cope place in the third quarter of 2021. signed off on $262,000 to wipe out a mort- that union dues were used to pay for golf, with technological change. Daimler Board Chair Manfred Bischoff gage held by UAW vice president General booze and vacation villas in California. “We are in a very dynamic entrepre- said the move should appeal to investors: Holiefield, who was the center’s other co- The UAW recently agreed to have an in- neurial environment,“ Kallenius said in a “With their different return profiles and chairman. dependent monitor watch union finances conference call with journalists. “Speed of capital needs, the rationale for two inde- Iacobelli also approved $25,000 from and operations. decision making... is something that can pendent entities is evident,” he said in a the training center for a party for union Fiat Chrysler US is a subsidiary of Stel- be enhanced in a pure play structure.” statement. “We are convinced that the vice president Norwood Jewell and the lantis, a company created by the merger of The truck and bus division has more capital markets will appreciate the oppor- UAW’s international executive board, the Fiat Chrysler and PSA Peugeot. (AP) • than 100,000 employees and makes tunity to invest in more clearly focused, criminal charge states. Freightliner trucks and Thomas Built bus- pure-play businesses.” (AP) •

There is a difference, use Genuine GM PARTS. For example, front and rear engineered support kits for the 2019–20 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are designed to simplify what otherwise could be difficult work. These comprehensive assemblies are necessary for the repair of many front- and rear-end collisions and also help technicians achieve proper, safe, and time-saving repairs.

Plus, only GM Genuine Parts offers replacement sheet metal designed and constructed with GM-specific properties, thickness, and stamping features for consistent, predictable performance in a collision, and seamless performance with GM vehicle safety systems. Sheet metal from GM Genuine Parts is also the only replacement sheet metal to benefit from the GM OE ELPO (electro- coat primer) process. After an eight-step pre-treatment, organic paint solids are electroplated onto bare metal surfaces to create a barrier that resists wa- ter, salt, or other corrosive threats. Whether ELPO primed in original black or new green, sheet metal from GM Genuine Parts delivers GM-factory form and fit. Using GM OE sheet metal parts can help you to restore a damaged vehicle to its pre-collision condition. Contact one of the dealers below today for all your GM parts. ALL STAR ChevRoLeT SeRvICe ChevRoLeT TURAN-FoLeY ChevRoLeT Baton Rouge, LA Lafayette, LA Gulfport, MS (225) 298-8080 • (800) 779-0794 (337) 234-9411 • (800) 960-3984 (228) 539-5034 • (888) 273-4922 Fax: (225) 298-8041 Fax: (337) 233-4161 Fax: (228) 539-5689 www.allstarchevroletbr.com www.servicechevrolet.com www.turanfoley.com March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 23

a Rotary tire changer, a Hunter Hawkeye a shop bring in new customers? One way ... German Motorworks Elite alignment rack, and a Hunter Road is by reputation and word-of-mouth. They Course Elite balancer. also rely on social media and participate in To keep the shop supplied with origi- the monthly Cars and Coffee event at the Continued from page 20 instead of bringing in more people. nal equipment parts, German Motorworks Cool Springs Mall. One other very impor- have very little turnover by offering a Each tech has three bays — one floor and turns to the wholesale dealers and to tant activity is sponsorship of the Team generous pay plan and medical insurance. two with Rotary lifts. They also have their Worldpak™ Auto Parts. Annie Rose Leukemia Charity. They believe in maximizing their talent own battery chargers. The shop also uses Without a lot of advertising, how does Looking to the future, Jonathan Goetze would like to see at least a couple of more shops, espe- cially one in the Brentwood area of Middle Tennessee. He feels one of the problems facing shops in the future has to do with loca- tion. With high-rise office complexes going up all over town, real estate for shops will be harder to find. Automotive repair shops don’t generate the same volume of revenue as high-rise cubi- cle offices. This, he fears, may be a struggle for growing repair shops. But for now, business is very good. The lot is full of cars and the aver- age German Motor- works customer is not in a hurry. •

ED PAYNE MOTORS 2101 E. Expressway 83 Weslaco, TX 78596 Parts Direct: (956) 447-6387 Fax: (956) 968-1851 www.paynedodgechrysler.com

Authentic Mopar® Parts. A foundation you can build on. Count on us to deliver Authentic Mopar Parts

CHECK OUT MOPARREPAIRCONNECTION.COM FOR ©2021 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. RESOURCES, PROMOTIONS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION.

52382_GEN7_8th_AR.indd 1 1/15/21 12:07 PM Eddie Tourell’s ORTHPARK N NISSAN PARTS CENTER THOUSANDS IN INVENTORY Largest inventory in east Texas! Medium duty dealer, and powertrain SHIP SAME DAY ON MOST ORDERS and mechanical specialists DAILY DELIVERIES TO SOUTHERN LA, MS & AL Parts Direct: (903) 232-2531 We specialize in Power Stroke Parts Direct: (985) 801-1624 Toll Free: (800) 278-9462 Diesel Engines, Transmissions, Fax: (903) 232-2580 Performance parts, Accessories and Toll Free: (888) 350-0079 any of your other genuine www.pegueshurstford.com Ford Parts needs. Fax: (985) 801-1657 www.northparknissan.com 24 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

engines. with government ambition and increasing Luxury car brand Jaguar to “We have all the ingredients at our dis- consumer expectations,“ said the SMMT’s posal to reimagine the business and the chief executive, Mike Hawes. experiences our customers seek, to rei- However, he said the U.K. will need to go all-electric by 2025 magine the benchmark of luxury,“ Bollore improve its competitiveness in light of the said. “fierce” global competition going on in By AP Wire Service volve moving car production from JLR’s The move was welcomed by British the shift to electric cars, not least from the Castle Bromwich factory east of the cen- Transport Secretary Grant Shapps as “a likes of Tesla. LONDON — Struggling luxury car tral England city of Birmingham to nearby huge step for British car manufacturing.“ “Government must ensure advanced brand Jaguar will be fully electric by Solihull. The Society of Motor Manufacturers manufacturing has its full support, with 2025, the British company said as it out- Chief Executive Thierry Bollore said and Traders, the British car industry’s lob- a policy framework and plan for growth lined a plan to phase out internal combus- the firm is “exploring opportunities to by group, said the announcement repre- that reduces costs, accelerates domestic tion engines. repurpose” the Castle Bromwich plant, sents “an injection of confidence” into the battery production and electrified supply Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by leading to speculation it could be used for sector, which has suffered over the past chains, and incentivises R&D and skills Indian conglomerate Tata Motors, hopes battery production. year during the coronavirus pandemic. development,“ he said. (AP) • the move will help turn around the for- Jaguar Land Rover also said that the far “Its roadmap to a future that is built tunes of the 86-year-old Jaguar brand, more profitable Land Rover brand will around sustainability, with electrified and which for many epitomizes class but has produce its first all-electric model in 2024 hydrogen models as well as investment in struggled in recent years. as it, too, phases out internal combustion connected and digital technologies, aligns The switch to an electric future will in- General Motors set- tles with California for $5.75M SACRAMENTO, Calif. — General Motors Co. has agreed to a $5.75 million settlement with California regarding false statements the company made to investors 888-273-4922888-273-4922 // 228-539-7500228-539-7500 about problems with its deadly ignition switches, state officials announced recent- ly. Direct:Direct: 228-539-5034228-539-5034 The faulty ignition switches led to at least 124 fatalities and 274 injuries na- tionwide. The defect also resulted in the Largest Inventory of Genuine GM Parts on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! recall of more than nine million vehicles Servicing the entire Gulf Coast and More! in 2014 - one of the biggest recalls in the nation’s history - from the largest U.S. au- Our Service is second to none! tomaker because the switches sometimes caused the sudden termination of electri- cal systems, including power steering and power brakes. Of all the reasons to use Genuine In 2015, GM agreed to pay a $900 mil- lion settlement to end a U.S. Department GM Parts, you can add unbeatable of Justice criminal probe, as well as $1 value to the list. Because Turan-Foley million in 2017 to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for an accounting offers highly competitive pricing on all case. Later that year, the automaker settled Genuine GM Parts that make up a very with dozens of states for $120 million. BUMP large portion of the total collision parts GM did not admit any wrongdoing as the COMPETITION! part of the 2021 agreement with Califor- business. So call today! nia. Save Time, Save Money! “We are pleased to have cooperated with the State of California to resolve this matter,“ GM said in a statement. California’s settlement came about be- cause the state’s largest pension system, the California Public Employees’ Retire- ment System, lost millions of dollars in GM stock. The company knew about the faulty switches in 2005 but failed to re- port it to federal authorities until 2014, officials said, and hid the problems from investors. Automakers must notify the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administra- tion within five days of finding out about a safety defect. “General Motors cheated California twice -- first by concealing a fatal flaw in 11123 Highway 49 North, Gulfport, MS 39503 www.turanfoley.com its vehicles, then by concealing the facts about the flaw in its financial disclosures, which affected the retirement investments of public servants across California,” Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement. “This settlement finally holds GM to account.” (AP) • March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 25

2022 Cadillac V-Seriers Blackwing: The most powerful Cadillacs ever

By GM Press Release Differential enhanced to reduce mass and improve on-track reliability The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing - Advanced suspension refinements and CT4-V Blackwing represent the providing greater body control and a pinnacle of Cadillac performance and more agile feel craftsmanship, leveraging champion- - Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, the ship-winning racing heritage to create world’s fastest reacting suspension the most track-capable Cadillacs ever, technology, sharpening the bal- while continuing to set new standards ance between daily-driving comfort and for luxury and comfort. high-performance track capa- Leveraging a Cadillac racing history bility that began in 1949 and has seen sus- - Unique structural enhancements tained success over the last two dec- improving steering response and han- ades, the V-Series Blackwing models dling on the track were developed with driver engage- - Cadillac’s largest ever factory-

The CT5-V Blackwing uses an upgraded 6.2L supercharged V8 that, thanks to a higher flow air-intake and revised exhaust Call Us For All Your system, is rated at 668 horsepower .... Power Stroke Diesel Parts and Service! PD: (225) 298-8080 - (800) 779-0794 ment and performance at the top of installed brakes, available on the CT5- Fax: (225) 298-8041 mind. V Blackwing “V-Series Blackwing stands for - Extensive validation including the very highest level of execution 12-hour and 24-hour track testing www.ALLSTARAUTOMOTIVE.com from Cadillac and offers a distinct- - Customizable integrated digital gauge ly American vision of performance: cluster with Custom Launch Control incredible power and luxurious crafts- and Performance Traction Management manship, with absolutely zero compro- settings mise,” said Brandon Vivian, executive The CT5-V Blackwing uses an Southwest Parts chief engineer, Cadillac. “We looked upgraded 6.2L supercharged V8 that, Department to our championship-winning racing thanks to a higher flow air-intake heritage and brought an uncompromis- and revised exhaust system, is rated Half Million Dollar Inventory of Genuine Kia Parts ing eye for detail to create two cars that at 668 horsepower (498 kW) and 659 Three Trucks – 2 Times Daily Dallas Fort Worth Metro Area Rock Bottom Prices! Parts Direct: (214) 694-2870 Toll Free: (866) 204-6680 Fax: (214) 694-2890 www.southwestkia.com

elevate the V-Series experience.” lb-ft of torque (893 Nm), making it V-Series Blackwing vehicles build the most powerful production Cadillac on the already excellent performance ever. Each engine is hand-built at GM’s dynamics of the CT5-V and CT4-V to Bowling Green Assembly facility in create the top tier of the Cadillac Kentucky and features a signed engine lineup. builder’s plate. Highlights include: The CT4-V Blackwing sports an evo- - Evolutions of the track-ready Cadillac lution of the Cadillac 3.6L Twin-Turbo 6.2L Supercharged V8 in the CT5-V V6 that features revised control system Blackwing and 3.6L Twin-Turbo V6 in software and an improved air intake the CT4-V Blackwing system to create 472 horsepower (352 - Upgraded TREMEC six-speed manu- kW) and 445 lb-ft of torque (603 Nm). al transmission standard The turbos’ low-inertia (titanium-alu- - Available 10-speed automatic trans- minide) turbine wheels enable more mission precise and responsive application of - Electronic Limited Slip Rear torque throughout the rev range. • 26 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

Car parts maker to build new Tennessee plant Smaller insurers again get NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee officials say a Spanish car parts maker will invest $42 million to open a new plant in Chattanooga expected to create 240 more jobs. The state Department of Economic and Community Development says Sese Industri- top grades from repairers al Services will make axle components for the production that Volkswagen has announced for the German automaker’s plant in Chattanooga. By CRASH Network Press Release which insurer to choose.” Sese Industrial Services operates under the parent company Grupo Sese, an interna- None of the 10 largest auto insurers – tional logistics company headquartered in Zaragoza, Spain. Collision repairers continue to see the companies most familiar to consum- The company already operates in Chattanooga and has a history working with smaller auto insurers outpacing the 10 ers thanks to the billions of dollars those Volkswagen. The new facility will span 300,000 square feet. (AP) • largest insurers in terms of working to insurers spend on marketing — received an ensure quality repairs and customer ser- overall grade higher than a C+ from shops. vice, according to the findings of the 2021 “Some of the highest-graded insurers Ford says it will expand in South Africa CRASH Network “Insurer Report Card.” sell policies in only a limited number of DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. said it plans to expand its manufacturing presence in Chubb, Erie Insurance, Michigan Farm states, but most consumers will find at least South Africa, spending roughly $1 billion and adding 1,200 jobs over the coming years. Bureau and Farm Bureau one or two insurers among the 15 highest- The $1 billion, or 15.8 billion rand, investment is the largest the U.S. automaker has each earned an overall grade of A- or graded who offer auto insurance policies in made in South Africa in its 97-year history in the country, Ford said. higher from shops evaluating the insur- their state,” Yoswick said. The manufacturing investments will go toward production of the Ford Ranger ers in terms of how well each company’s Shops participating in the “Insurer pickup truck, the company said. Roughly $686 million will be used to upgrade the “policies, attitude and payment practices Report Card” said those highest-graded company’s Silverton assembly plant, while the rest is set for upgrading manufacturing ensure quality repairs and customer service insurers place an emphasis on “repairing capabilities at Ford suppliers in the region. (AP) • for motorists.” vehicles properly,” “following the auto More than 1,100 individual shops around manufacturers’ guidelines,” and “keeping the country each graded as many as 30 dif- their customers’ best interests paramount.” Huffines HYunDAi ferent insurance companies in their state. They criticized the insurers to which they In all, this year’s “Insurer Report Card” gave lower grades using such phrases such McKinneY includes grades for 75 insurance compa- as, “cares more about cost than quality of Ask for Brydan Reid,Brian nies. the repair,” “pressures us to use cheap, Chadduck or Chris Ramos “Consumers go a decade, on average, low-quality parts,” “slow claims process,’ [email protected] without interacting with their insurance and ‘inexperienced adjusters.” [email protected] company’s claims department, but colli- The list of highest-graded insurers in [email protected] sion repairers do so every day,” CRASH 2021 was remarkably consistent with last Network’s John Yoswick said. “That gives year’s findings; among the 15 highest- shops meaningful perspective on which graded insurers in this year’s “Insurance companies do the best job taking care of Report Card,” 10 were in the Top 15 last policyholders — and which ones have year as well. Roy Allen, Parts Mgr. some room for improvement. We see the A free report with the 2021 “Insurer 469-525-4361 [email protected] ‘Insurer Report Card’ providing useful Report Card” findings can be downloaded information for drivers as they consider at https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc. • Hyundai 469-525-4354 Hours: Mon. - fri. 7 AM to 7 PM; sat 8 AM to 5 PM • 1301 N. Central Expy. at White Ave. • McKinney, TX Huffines Kia McKinneY Ask for Brydan Reid,Brian Chadduck or Chris Ramos [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Genuine Kia Parts Roy Allen, Parts Mgr. 469-525-4361 [email protected] AUTHENTIC MOPAR® COLLISION PARTS — ORIGINAL PARTS ® Wholesale FOR EVERY CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP®, RAM OR FIAT VEHICLE Parts: 469-525-4354 Hours: Mon. - fri. 7 AM to 7 PM; sat 8 AM to 5 PM • 1201 N. Central Expy. at White Ave. • McKinney, TX

The Mopar difference: • FCA US LLC engineered • Part of a system that values safety and • Manufactured to proprietary specs and tolerances performance technologies • O.E. crash parts fit right the first time • Tested to be better – we can prove it GENESIS OF MCKINNEY

Order Hotline: (800) 756-1611 Parts Department: JIM COGDILL CHRYSLER Local: (865) 690-1611 Brydan Reid - [email protected] DODGE JEEP RAM Fax: (865) 693-2964 Brian Chadduck - [email protected] 8544 Kingston Pike Mon.–Fri. 7:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Chris Ramos - [email protected] Knoxville, TN 37919 Sat. 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. www.jimcogdilldodge.com Wholesale Parts: 469-525-4354 Roy Allen, Parts Mgr. 469-525-4361 [email protected]

©2021 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. FIAT is a registered trademark of FCA Group Marketing S.p.A., used under license by FCA US LLC. Hours: Mon. - fri. 7 AM to 7 PM; sat 8 AM to 5 PM • 1301 N. Central Expy. at White Ave. • McKinney, TX

42576_COL13_Q_AR.indd 1 2/17/21 10:24 AM March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 27

Ford to build new electric car Yarn maker to invest $30M in new Georgia plant, hiring 40 on Volkswagen framework ROME, Ga. — A company that makes synthetic yarns for carpetmakers and automo- tive uses will invest $30 million to expand a northwest Georgia factory over the next By Tom Krisher & David McHugh 2025, is among the most significant Ford five years, adding 40 jobs. has made in more than a generation and Integrated Fiber Solutions said that it will build a new factory next door to its current FRANKFURT, Germany — Ford said it “underlines our commitment to Europe Rome plant to meet growing demand. would make a new electric car in Europe and a modern future,” Rowley said in the The 35-year-old company now has 300 employees in Rome and 300 more in Dalton using Volkswagen’s mechanical frame- statement. and Lafayette. The privately-owned firm supplies synthetic yarns to multiple carpet and work for battery-powered vehicles and Ford said the investment in the Cologne rug makers. spend $1 billion to revamp a factory in plant, which employs just over 4,000 Construction is expected to begin in March and be complete before the end of the Germany to make the zero-emission cars. workers, comes after its European op- year, said Missy Kendrick of the Rome/Floyd County Development Authority. Ford of Europe President Stewart Row- erations returned to a profit in the fourth New workers will make $14.50 an hour, on average, Kendrick said. ley said during an online news conference quarter of 2020. Rome and Floyd County intend to offer property tax abatements worth $2 million, that the factory in Cologne will build an The investment is part of Ford’s goal of she said. The company could claim other tax breaks from the state, including a state electric passenger vehicle to reach the spending at least $22 billion on electric income tax credit worth $2,500 per job off Georgia income taxes, totaling $500,000 market in mid-2023, and it may build a vehicles from 2016-2025. (AP) • over five years for the company. (AP) • second one there in the future. He said it was part of Ford’s push to offer fully electric or plug-in gas-electric versions of all passenger vehicles in Eu- rope by 2024, with all European vehicles going to full electric by 2030. The com- pany also predicted that two-thirds of its European commercial vehicle sales will be electric or plug-in hybrids by 2030. “We are going all in on electric vehi- cles,” Rowley said. The agreement with Volkswagen en- abling use of the German company’s mechanical framework for electric cars _ known by its German acronym MEB, or modular electric toolkit, lets Ford take ad- vantage of Volkswagen’s massive invest- ment in electric cars as the industry shifts toward zero-local emissions vehicles.

The Volkswagen framework uses stan- dard mechanical un- derpinnings such as the battery, wheels and axles that can be adjusted to manufac- ture different vehicle models. CERTIFIED PARTS SPECIALISTS Roger Rowland 478-259-3845 [email protected] Ken Mills 478-259-3573 The Volkswagen framework uses stan- [email protected] Wesley Burchfield 478-259-4159 dard mechanical underpinnings such as [email protected] the battery, wheels and axles that can be Darian Thompson 478-259-3926 adjusted to manufacture different vehicle PARTS MANAGER SE REGIONAL SALES CONSULTANTS [email protected] models. Russell Brown Andy Stokes 478-259-3831 Carmakers in Europe must sell more 478-259-3514 Tommy Scarborough 478-973-8954 [email protected] electrics to meet new, lower limits on [email protected] tscarbourough@riversidefordnet Ted Siepman 478-259-3710 PARTS ACCOUNTING David Stapp 478-957-0579 [email protected] emissions of carbon dioxide, the main Gary Kinder Cody Turner greenhouse gas blamed for global warm- 478-259-1845 [email protected] 478-269-1990 [email protected] [email protected] ing. If manufacturers don’t hold fleet av- Fred Walker 478-957-1124 Zach Avery [email protected] Josh Redick 478-259-6003 erage emissions below the limit, they face 478-259-4734 Hank Millis 478-319-6071 [email protected] heavy fines. Rowley said Ford was in a [email protected] John Burchfield 478-259-4199 TRAFFIC MANAGER [email protected] [email protected] position to avoid the fines going forward. Jim Howard John Hill 478-918-3906 478-259-1875 The company said commercial vehicles [email protected] are the key to growth and profitability in [email protected] WAREHOUSE MANAGER Dylan Mercer 478-508-7439 Europe, with new products and services Adam Fletcher [email protected] 1-800-637-4807 through its alliance with Volkswagen and 478-259-3288 [email protected] FAX ORDERS TOLL FREE 1-877-750-0590 Ford’s Otosan joint venture in Turkey. 2089 Riverside Drive Macon, GA 31204 The investment, to be made through 28 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

The Best Price on Power Stroke Engines in the State of Mississippi

601-825-5730 • Large Inventory of Genuine Ford Parts as well as Power Stroke engines and components. • Twice-a-day shipping in most areas. Local in-town deliveries with three trucks. • Eight experienced parts specialists to expedite your order! 201 Octavia Dr., Brandon, MS 39042 • FAX 601-591-2648 www.graydanielsford.com March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 29

up bumps in the road. Even the climate 263 miles. Edmunds: 2021 Ford Mustang control feels a tad more powerful and is Ford’s Mustang Mach-E’s EPA esti- easier to adjust. mates range from 211 miles to 300 miles. Winner: Ford Mustang Mach-E Edmunds’ real-world range test of an all- Mach-E vs. 2020 Tesla Model Y REAL-WORLD RANGE wheel-drive Mach-E, with an EPA-esti- Tesla continues to be a range leader mated range of 270 miles, resulted in an By AP Wire Service tic design highlighted by a large center in virtually every EV segment. Owners impressive 304 miles. touchscreen. It looks chic but can lead also benefit from Tesla’s exclusive Super- Winner: Ford Mustang Mach-E The 2020 Tesla Model Y is an intrigu- to driver distraction because so many of charger network, which is currently the EDMUNDS SAYS ing pick for an electric SUV. It has a rela- the car’s controls are routed through the most hassle-free network for fast charg- There are a lot of great things about the tively small footprint but provides cavern- screen. The Mach-E also has a large center ing. The Model Y has an EPA-estimated Tesla Model Y including vast amounts ous passenger and cargo space. And with touchscreen, but there are more physical range between 244 miles and 326 miles. of interior space, exciting driving perfor- a current entry price of $43,190 including buttons plus a digital gauge cluster to help However, Edmunds conducts its own mance and access to Tesla’s Supercharger destination and handling fees, it’s also one you keep your eyes on the road. On top real-world range testing on EVs and has network. These two EVs are closely the most affordable electric SUVs around. of this is standard Apple CarPlay and An- found that Teslas, in most cases, don’t matched, but the Ford Mustang Mach-E But there’s a new rival aimed at taking droid Auto smartphone integration, two achieve their range estimates. For exam- wins this comparison thanks to its supe- on the Model Y: the all-new 2021 Ford features unavailable on the Model Y. ple, a 2020 Model Y Performance that Ed- rior comfort and user-friendly technology. Mustang Mach-E. The Mach-E is priced Winner: Ford Mustang Mach-E munds tested had an EPA-estimated range (AP) • competitively. It starts at $43,995 and, UTILITY of 291 miles but Edmunds managed only unlike Tesla, still qualifies for federal tax The Tesla Model Y’s rear cargo area is credits. But which EV is better? Edmunds’ massive. The rear seatbacks conveniently experts tested both to find out. fold flat to accommodate longer items, Toyota to increase capacity at West Virginia plant DRIVING PERFORMANCE and there’s a removable cargo floor that BUFFALO, W.Va. — Toyota Motor Corp. announced it is investing an additional Teslas have earned a reputation for hides storage space underneath. There’s a $210 million at a West Virginia plant that will bring 100 new jobs. laughably quick, sports car-beating speed, big space under the front trunk for even Toyota said it will upgrade equipment and machinery for existing six-cylinder engine and it holds true for more space to stash production while increasing assembly capacity of its four-cylinder engine line at the the Model Y. Even your stuff. Japanese automaker’s plant in Buffalo, West Virginia. when you aren’t However, Edmunds The Mach-E Toyota expects to complete the upgrades and job hirings by the second half of 2022. trying to break also has a pretty “Today’s announcement represents Toyota’s continued commitment to our custom- the sound barrier, conducts its own real- good-sized rear ers as well as our community,” Srini Matam, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing the Model Y pro- world range testing on cargo area with West Virginia, said in a statement. vides an easy but folding rear seats, The new jobs will establish a third shift at the Buffalo plant due to a significant in- engaging driving EVs and has found that but it can’t match crease in Rav4 engine production. The plant will assemble an additional 5,900 engines experience with re- Teslas, in most cases, the volume of space per month. sponsive steering, the Model Y offers. Toyota expects to complete the upgrades and job hirings by the second half of 2022. sporty handling and don’t achieve their range Its front trunk is The announcement brings Toyota’s total investment at the 2 million square-foot facil- smooth, shift-free estimates. smaller too, though ity in West Virginia to more than $1.8 billion and more than 2,000 jobs. power delivery. it does come with The plant, which will commemorate its 25th anniversary this year, produces nearly 1 Ford’s Mustang a drain plug that al- million engines and transmissions annually. (AP) • Mach-E delivers lows you to drain speed that nearly matches the Model Y out water from cleaning or melted ice after at comparable trim levels as well as an tailgating. entertaining driving experience. Just like Winner: Tesla Model Y the Tesla, you can bring the Mach-E to a COMFORT stop solely using the regenerative braking Comfort is an important aspect for any to recoup energy. But Ford hasn’t done as vehicle you plan to spend time in every well smoothing out the transition to regu- day, and the Model Y provides this to a lar braking when you press on the brake good degree, with a few caveats. The seats pedal. are well padded and supportive in all the Winner: Tesla Model Y right areas, but the upholstery doesn’t TECHNOLOGY breathe well, which is an issue if you live Tesla has taken over-the-air software in warmer climates. A quiet cabin is pret- updates to a whole new level. Adding new ty common among luxury EVs, and the features, fixing issues and extending bat- Model Y likewise insulates well against tery range to its vehicles are just a few exterior noise. things it’s done wirelessly over the years. The Mustang Mach-E is a degree or Like the Model Y, the Mach-E can also two more comfortable than the Model Y receive over-the-air updates after you’ve in nearly all areas. The seat cushions are bought the vehicle. softer and have breathable perforated up- Inside, the Model Y has a minimalis- holstery, and the suspension better soaks

GREENVILLE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM 5401 Interstate 30 Greenville, TX 75402 Parts Direct: (903) 454-0283 Toll Free: (888) 661-9079 BRIAN HARRIS BMW Fax: (903) 455-1576 12336 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge LA 70817 www.greenvillechryslerdodgejeep.com

Everything you’ll need. Delivered. www.brianharrisbmw.com Parts Department (225) 754-1210 (888) 527-4269

CHECK OUT MOPARREPAIRCONNECTION.COM FOR Fax (225) 754-1274 RESOURCES, PROMOTIONS AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION.

©2021 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. ©2021 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

26909_GEN4_8th_AR.indd 1 1/15/21 10:30 AM 30 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

... hybrid vehicle repair safety tips High temperature in the engine com- 2. Check the battery high voltage wires partment might cause the motor control (orange coated) for damage. If any damage module (built into the PCU) to become is found, replace the damaged wire harness Continued from page 1 You can replace brake pads without a too hot to run the update. If the engine has or component, then go to step 3. ing the caliper at the bleeder fitting during scan tool, but if you replace any hydrau- been running before this procedure, open 3. Connect the HDS or equivalent scan the hood and cool the engine compart- tool. ment down. Use a fan to reduce wait time 4. Select the Electric Powertrain system. or grab another vehicle to work on while 5. Clear the DTC. you’re waiting. Bonus collision tip: High temperatures When updating control units, check may damage the battery module. When OEM service information first. To find drying paint in a heated paint booth, make detailed procedures and safety precau- sure the temperature does not exceed 149 tions, refer to Honda’s website or ALL- °F (65 °C). DATA. Power disconnect safety for Ford Fusion Clearing Honda Accord hybrid collision hybrid shut-off history Never install the service disconnect When the battery condition monitor plug when a high-voltage service cover module receives a collision detection sig- is removed from a Ford Fusion hybrid.

It’s always a good idea to move the smart key to another room so that the vehicle can’t be turned on with

Toyota Prius brake jobs can be dangerous and tricky, but knowing the precautions and something in the brake system dis- procedures can make it as safe and routine as any other brake job. connected or disabled. piston retraction. lic components, a Toyota Techstream or It’s always a good idea to move the equivalent scan tool must be used to bleed smart key to another room so that the vehi- the brake system. If you don’t, bleeding cle can’t be turned on with something in will be incomplete, which could cause nal (CDS) from the SRS unit, the battery Always install the cover prior to connect- the brake system disconnected or disabled. the ABS light to come on, or even worse, condition monitor module updates the col- ing the service disconnect plug. The cover It helps to avoid setting numerous brake result in an accident. lision shut-off history and stores it in the prevents inadvertent contact with the high system codes and the dash warning indica- Tips for updating control units on Honda nonvolatile memory located in the mod- voltage which is present at several points tors lighting up like a Christmas tree. Accord hybrid ule. The battery condition monitor module under the cover. Failure to follow these stops supplying power to the high-voltage instructions may result in serious personal circuits, disrupting the control signal to be injury or death. sent to the high-voltage contactor inside Always disconnect the 12-volt bat- the battery module the next time the sys- tery before servicing the direct current to tem is turned on. To resume the power alternating current inverter or alternating supply to the high-voltage circuits, the col- current powerpoint to prevent the risk of lision shut-off history needs to be cleared. high voltage shock. Failure to follow this Do the following procedures to clear the instruction may result in serious personal collision shut-off history: injury. • 1. Inspect the battery module for exterior We have the stock, the staff and the delivery to get you damage or leaks. If no damage is found, go Richard Diegle is senior automotive editor to step 2. at ALLDATA. the parts you need as quickly as possible! ALL STAR NISSAN Parts Direct: (225) 298-8080 Tech-tip for Honda Civic engine only rotating Toll Free: (800) 779-0794 clockwise www.allstarautomotive.com By Richard Diegle remove the serpentine belt to help deter- Formerly A 2012 Honda Civic hybrid (L4-1.5L, mine if any accessories were locked-up Classic CVT Transmission) with 106,988 and causing the problem. VANGUARD BUICK GMC Buick GMC miles was towed to the shop because 2700 N I-35E Carrollton TX 75007 Sure enough, when the technician the engine died at a stop light, then the removed the serpentine belt, the engine Call us for all your GM parts needs. engine would not crank over. would turn in both directions. Upon Fast, Friendly, Local Service! The technician connected a scan tool further inspection, he found the A/C but could find no diagnostic trouble compressor and clutch had seized. The codes from any modules. Next, he tried reason the engine could be rotated coun- Call (972) 446-3830 to turn the engine over by hand using a terclockwise is because the belt tensioner ask for Rick or Mike for all your GM Parts needs! breaker bar and socket on the crankshaft released tension in the counterclockwise Fax: (972)446-3877 pulley nut. That is when he discovered direction. The belt just slipped around a strange anomaly. He could rotate the compressor pulley. engine counterclockwise, but not clock- The technician replaced the com- wise. pressor assembly, expansion valve and An ALLDATA Tech-Assist consultant receiver dryer, flushed all the lines, con- suggested removing the spark plugs to denser and evaporator, then recharged the make the engine easy to rotate, and to A/C system. Problem solved! • March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 31

like a traditional lease, but with insurance But considered as an alternative to leas- Edmunds: Whatever hap- and most maintenance covered, and it ing two vehicles, these programs start to adds the ability to cancel your subscrip- make sense. Leasing both a Porsche 911 tion on short notice or resubscribe to a dif- and a Cayenne, for example, and provid- pened to car subscription ferent model. ing your own insurance will cost you more Costs range from $600 to $750 per than even Porsche’s pricey plan. By AP Wire Service Each service also has extensive rules month (excluding tax) depending on the CAN SUBSCRIPTIONS STAGE A around mileage, the time you can keep model. While it’s true that the monthly COMEBACK? Just a few years ago, car subscriptions cars, and even driving internationally. Us- payment for an equivalently equipped Cadillac and BMW both say they’re re- looked like the next sure thing. Picking ers will have to be educated on all of these lease is significantly less, that doesn’t tell evaluating and retooling their programs. up on consumers’ comfort with paying restrictions compared to traditional lease the whole story: Getting a low lease pay- The new iterations of both will almost monthly for the likes of streaming services rules. ment requires a larger down payment, and certainly operate in closer conjunction or phones, many automakers introduced The bigger obstacle is limited access. you’ll have to provide your own insurance with dealerships in order to ease national programs that allowed people to get a new Porsche’s service is only offered in Atlan- and cover maintenance costs. rollouts. car and a variety of perks for a monthly ta, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Volvo’s is Amortize the down payment over the But a major appeal of subscription ser- fee. As an alternative to buying or leasing, more widely available but excludes three life of the lease, add insurance and main- vices is ease of use, which includes avoid- these programs seemed intriguing. But as of America’s four most populous states: tenance, and you may pay about the same ing the dealership outright. Being able to of 2021, BMW, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, manage your subscription entirely through Nissan and, most recently, Audi have all But a major appeal of subscription services is an app is key to the success of subscrip- shuttered their nascent subscription offer- ease of use, which includes avoiding the dealer- tions with a younger audience, and dealer- ings. ships have been inconsistent in engaging So why haven’t subscriptions caught ship outright. and doing business with consumers on- on, and which services are still out there? line. How subscription services will oper- WHY AREN’T SUBSCRIPTIONS California, New York and Florida. or even slightly less for Volvo’s subscrip- ate within the confines of dealer networks MORE POPULAR? This limited availability is in part due tion than a lease. is an open question, but as things stand Depending on your driving needs, a to logistics and cost and in part to dealer Porsche’s offering is much pricier. It these services can’t operate without deal- subscription could save you money com- franchise laws designed to stop automak- ranges from $1,500 to $2,600 per month ers. pared to leasing. Plus there are the perks ers from dealing directly with consumers. for a single vehicle and from $2,100 to Ultimately, the convenience of these of ongoing access to the latest models, the The Care by Volvo program, for example, $3,100 per month for the multi-vehicle programs will be as important as outright ability to switch cars frequently, and the faced legal challenges from the Califor- subscription plan, which allows you to cost. convenience of app-based shopping. So nia New Car Dealers Association and was swap vehicles at will. EDMUNDS SAYS: Buying a car within why aren’t more people using them? subsequently withdrawn from the state. The idea of swapping from a convert- your budget and keeping it for the long Lack of awareness is one issue. These Until challenges from dealers have been ible sports car to a family SUV depending haul still make the most financial sense. services require more outreach and need addressed, nationwide rollouts of these on your needs in a given week is appeal- But as an alternative to leasing, a sub- to overcome the conventional wisdom that services will stay off the table. ing, but you pay for that flexibility. Multi- scription might lower your overall cost you’re better off purchasing a car outright. WHAT NEW CAR SUBSCRIPTIONS car subscriptions are more expensive and give you an easy exit should you There’s not currently much investment in ARE STILL AVAILABLE? than a typical lease, even with insurance change your mind. Unfortunately, legal educating consumers either ? these sub- Care by Volvo and Porsche Drive cur- and down payments factored in, and you and logistical challenges mean the future scription services aren’t widely advertised rently have the most attractive, and active, aren’t able to buy a car you’ve been driv- of car subscriptions is uncertain. (AP) • on dealership or manufacturer websites. subscription offerings. Care works a lot ing at a preset price.

WWW.FORDPARTS.COM/GRANDE CHECK OUT OUR ENDLESS INVENTORY ONLINE www.repairlink.com/Grande TOP 50 POWER STROKE DIESEL Volume & Growth Dealer! Parts: (210) 666-7266 - (800) 779-7672 Fax: (210) 666-7264 - www.grandetruck.com 32 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021 Racing Notes McDowell hopes Daytona victory Logano wants peace at Penske brings more success to team following Daytona crash

By Jenna Fryer career top-10 finish at Daytona. He has By Jenna Fryer that’s probably where we’re going to been a fixture near the front of the field be. To me, the biggest heartbreak of this DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Michael since, particularly after he moved to Front DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A truce whole thing is that there are 400 people at McDowell was best known for years as Row Motorsports in 2018. has yet to be called in the Team Penske asking where their Daytona the guy who barrel-rolled eight times at Although FRM is considered one of camp amid friction following the last lap 500 bonus is and it’s up in a ball of flames Texas while trying to qualify for just the NASCAR’s third-tier teams, it has a Daytona 500 crash between teammates up in turn three.” second race of his Cup Series career. strong program for superspeedways and Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski. Three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny He’d driven through the remnants of road courses, circuits that somewhat level Logano was leading Keselowski when Hamlin bristled at Logano’s deflection. an oil spill when McDowell’s car made the playing field. In four Daytona 500s Keselowski pulled out to attempt a race- He noted Logano could have guaranteed a hard right turn into the wall. The car driving the No. 34 Ford, McDowell fin- winning pass, a move that caused contact the organization a Daytona 500 victory if rebounded, flipped on its roof and went ished fifth, ninth, 14th and, finally, first. that triggered a fiery eight-car wreck. he’d allowed Keselowski to pull along- airborne for eight rolls before the flam- “This is definitely no fluke,” said three- Three of the cars involved were Fords side him and the two Penske cars together ing wreckage finally came to a stop on its time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin. fielded by Penske. would have blocked the track to other wheels. “I’ve said many Logano had yet to speak to Keselowski competitors as the teammates raced each “It’s just one times this is a skill by the following Friday he said “it’s other to the finish line. of those things game. He’s got probably best to cool your jets a little bit “Say huh?” Hamlin posted to Twitter. that happened,” “This is definitely no the skill set to win before the conversation happens” — but “Ya know best way to guarantee a Pen- McDowell said. these, and he finally planned to talk before the two raced again ske win? If the 2 got beside him then they “But you definitely fluke,” said three-time got it done.” for the sake of the Penske organization. race to the line to see which one wins.” hope that people Daytona 500 winner The victory The two raced the following Sunday on Hamlin and Logano were teammates would know you was just the third in the road course at Daytona. for five years at Joe Gibbs Racing and for something bet- Denny Hamlin. “I’ve 17 years for Front “The goal is to move on and not say, have previously feuded. ter than that.” said many times this is a Row and owner ‘You raced me hard, so I’m going to race The Daytona crash belied Roger Pen- It took 13 years . David you hard’ and now we’re beating the ske’s edict that his drivers are permitted for him to change skill game. He’s got the Ragan won FRM’s doors off of each other every week and to race one another hard so long as they the narrative: first race, in 2013 it grows and grows and grows,” Logano don’t wreck. Not only did they fail at McDowell is now a skill set to win these, and at Talladega Super- said. “You can’t seek revenge or just, Daytona, but the crash destroyed a third Daytona 500 cham- he finally got it done.” speedway, and ‘Well, you made my life hard, so I’m Penske car, driven by rookie Austin Cin- pion. won going to make your life hard.’ That’s dric, for an overall disastrous race for The journeyman at Pocono in 2016. childish. We’re adults. Penske. earned the first win J e n k i n s “If you do that, it’s the most selfish Ryan Blaney had been involved in a of his career — he was 0-357 before Day- doesn’t think the sporadic success is thing you can do because you’re not just race-ending crash 14 laps in, so all four tona — by zipping past two crashing cars indicative of the team he’s built. hurting yourself or hurting him, you’re Penske cars were destroyed. on the final lap. McDowell led for less “I know the average fan is surprised hurting all the people that work on that Cindric said “that is a great question” than a mile in the wee Monday morning when we win a race, but it never surprises car and what did they do to you?” when asked for his understanding on how hours but it was all he needed to validate me,” Jenkins said. “It’s taken a long time Keselowski was visibly frustrated fol- the four-car Penske fleet was supposed to a career spent driving inferior cars. to get our third win and our first Daytona lowing the crash and heaved his helmet at race each other at Daytona. Daytona is unlike any race on NAS- 500 win, but people don’t realize this is his wrecked car. He was adamant after the “If we are a Penske 1-2-3, I know my CAR’s schedule in that underdogs have our third top-five in the Daytona 500. You race that he was not at fault for the colli- job and my job going into the weekend a chance if they can make it to the fin- want to win championships, but you’ve sion. was to make sure that one of us wins the ish. It takes understanding the nuances of got to win races first.” “I don’t feel like I made a mistake, but race,” Cindric said. “We have team meet- superspeedway racing — managing the McDowell earlier last month said he I can’t drive everybody else’s car, so frus- ings. We have strategy meetings. I think draft, knowing who to push and how to doubted FRM could make the 16-car trating,” he said. we all understand what is at stake. I think do it, and using instinct to plot strategy at playoffs on points, so the priority had Logano did not accept culpability. there is a great understanding of what the almost 200 mph. been earning an automatic berth via a race “I don’t think anyone did anything expectations are.” McDowell has had the hang of it since win. The schedule this year has a NAS- wrong,” he said. “Everyone is going to Chase Elliott, the reigning Cup Series at least 2013, when he scored his first Continued on page 37 have different perspectives and I think Continued on page 37

THE #1 DEALER & WHOLESALER IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS!

Largest Inventory of Genuine GM Parts in the State of Arkansas! Same Day Free Delivery Most of State 11 Delivery Vehicles, 3 Cargo ! Credit! Unbeatable Parts Service! Call us Today! Fax: (501) 834-1459 Parts Direct: (501) 835-3322 or (800) 482-9600 www.russellchevrolet.com March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 33

pion and Bailey Cole, seasoned racer the brand,” said Scott Guan, Bronco Bronco 4600 race vehicle set in ULTRA4 and Score win- designer. ner in class. A third Bronco 4600 race The hood sports a white Bronco team includes Brad Lovell, who has logo. Like Bronco R Race Prototype to run in ULTRA4 stock class won championships in ULTRA4, and and Bronco Sport Rebelle Rally SUVs, his brother Roger Lovell, a professional Bronco 4600’s “R” in the grille is dis- By Ford Press Release Hammers in Johnson Valley, California. engineer who has used his talents in off- tinctly red. Built on a 2021 Bronco two-door with road design and also has multiple off- Official truck and SUV of ULTRA4 DEARBORN, Mich., – Ford Per- Sasquatch™ Package, Bronco 4600 uti- road racing wins and championships. and SCORE off-road racing formance has revealed the all-new lizes race-tested production 2.7-liter Inspired ‘war paint’ pays homage to Bronco brand and Ford’s collabo- Bronco 4600 race vehicle that will run EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, SelectShift® Bronco brand’s race legacy ration with ULTRA4 signals a grow- in ULTRA4 stock class beginning this 10-speed automatic and second-gen- Bronco 4600 race vehicles feature ing presence in the off-road enthusi- year. The all-new outdoor brand of eration T-6 chassis. It serves as a test a new livery leveraging factory 2021 ast realm. Recently, Ford stepped up Built Wild™ 4x4s, Bronco 4600 race bed for a growing list of Ford Licensed Bronco colors – Race Red, Oxford to serve as official truck and SUV of vehicle demonstrates how 2021 Bronco Accessories and White and Velocity Blue. The front SCORE-International Off-Road Rac- two-door and four-door customers can parts alongside the independent per- design takes inspiration from the 1969 ing, which holds the , Baja prep their 4x4 for off-road racing in the formance aftermarket. Baja 1000-winning Bronco, with matte 1000 and San Felipe 250 champion- ULTRA4 series. Taking learnings from the Bronco R black hood, plus white upper and red ships. Ford also serves as official vehi- “Innovating the off-road landscape Race Prototype that ran the 2019 and lower body lines that transitions into cle of . and competing with Bronco’s higher- 2020 Baja 1000, the Bronco 4600’s a more modern Bronco design scheme To learn more about all-new 2021 extending rearward. Bronco two-, four-door and Bronco “Our new ‘war paint’ scheme tells the Sport models, please visit Ford.com/ Bronco race story – up front is chapter Bronco. Live-stream King of the Ham- one that traces back to the victorious mers at www.ultra4racing.com/ultra4- 1969 Bronco, then, as you travel along racing-live. • the side, the lines get more diagonal, more futuristic, signaling the future of Ready to retire? leaves fans guessing

By AP Wire Service Tampa Bay Buccaneers star tight end Rob Gronkowski, who came out of retirement DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Kurt to win a fourth Super Bowl with Tampa Busch dropped a cinematic short two Bay and implored the driver not to call it days before the Daytona 500 that blew the quits. budget, featured a Vanilla Ice cameo and “Is retirement for me? Am I ready to re- hinted at his NASCAR retirement. tire? I won it all. I’ve done it all,” Busch The 2004 NASCAR Cup champion did narrates in the video. “I’m so very satis- not definitively say whether he’s planning fied.” speed off-road abilities have always competition-tuned high-performance to hang up his helmet at the end of the One of the closing images features been at the core of Bronco brand’s herit- off-road stability suspension features year. Busch boarding a private jet and flying off age,” said Dave Rivers, Ford SUV mar- Fox coilover shocks with remote res- “If you’re asking me if this is a retire- into the sunset. keting manager. “Our new Bronco 4600 ervoirs and Fox pneumatic bump stops ment video, I’m leaving it open for in- “It’s all said and done. Put a stamp on it. racers underscore our motorsports her- at all four corners. It also features Wil- terpretation,” Busch told The Associated I’m out,” he said. itage and how the all-new 2021 Bronco wood Engineering brakes and 35-inch Press. “There’s subliminal messaging ev- Busch has 32 career victories and last can be tuned from the showroom floor BFGoodrich® mud-terrain T/A® KM3 erywhere. It’s a reflection of my career, of took a checkered flag in September in his to compete in the grueling ULTRA4 tires mounted to Method Race Wheels winning.” hometown race in Las Vegas that quali- stock class series.” 202 Forged Beadlock wheels. The “Shifting Gears” video drips with fied him for the third round of NASCAR’s The next step in Built Wild off-road Heavy-duty front portal hubs from 74 clues that the 42-year-old Busch has at playoffs. Busch also tested NASCAR’s racing Weld are mounted to Triton Engineer- least considered walking away at the end Next Gen car that is set to debut next year. Like the first-generation Bronco that ing control arms with heavy-duty Howe of this season. He has spent the last two Will he stick around with Ganassi to took the 1969 Baja 1000 outright, the hydraulic steering rack with cooler. A seasons with and his race it? new Bronco 4600 builds on this win- factory Dana™ AdvanTEK e-locking contract is up at the end of the season. “We’re talking,” Busch said. “We’re ning tradition starting with a 2021 differential with RCV custom half- Busch takes a call in the video from Continued on page 37 Bronco two-door SUV with stock pow- shafts deliver front wheel torque. In ertrain running on a competition-tuned back, Triton Engineering rear links sup- High-Performance Off-Road Stability port a Dynatrac ProRock XD60® axle Suspension (HOSS) System. with an ARB 35-spline Air Locker® “Bronco 4600 underscores how ready and Spidertrax Spider 9™ axle shafts the all-new Bronco is for competition and hubs. Ford Performance supplies and how Ford Performance is com- modified front and rear modular steel mitted to driving the brand’s success bumpers and a Warn® ZEON® winch, across multiple off-road series,” said while RIGID® LED off-road lights Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford improve night vision. A custom roll Performance Motorsports. “We look cage by Geiser Brothers and first-ever forward to off-road racing teams com- FIA off-road-certified race shells from ing to this platform and to Ford Per- Recaro® are added inside. formance stepping up to continuously Bronco 4600 series teams feature an enhance the state of the art in off-road all-star lineup of off-road racing vet- - Our highly knowledgeable staff is here racing for them.” erans, including Fun-Haver teammates Dickinson, TX Testing of Bronco 4600 began last Vaughn Gittin Jr. and two-time King of to answer your parts inquiries. Parts: (281) 337-1541 month, with the race vehicles going on the Hammers champion Loren Healy. - Large inventory of genuine Ford parts. (800) 367-3958 to run this year in ULTRA4 alongside In addition, a Bronco 4600 will be - Your source for Power Stroke parts Fax: (281) 534-2009 factory-backed Bronco 4400 series race driven by teammates Jason Scherer, a and service. www.mcreeford.com vehicles also revealed at King of the three-time King of the Hammers cham- 34 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

Toyota is offering payment relief to customers Tesla to fix touch screens, end- affected by the winter storm PLANO, Texas (February 22, 2021) – Toyota Financial Services (TFS) ing spat with US regulators announced it is offering payment relief options to its customers affected by the winter storms that struck Texas earlier last month. This broad outreach includes By Tom Krisher any Toyota Financial Services (TFS) or Lexus Financial Services (LFS) customer For vehicles with older firmware, drivers in the designated disaster areas. can “perform a shoulder check and use the Toyota Financial Services cares about the safety and well-being of its custom- DETROIT — After initially refusing a mirrors” when backing up, and they can ers, and wants to help those impacted by this natural disaster. Impacted lease and request from U.S. safety regulators, Tesla also manually clear the windshield if the finance customers residing in the affected areas may be eligible to take advantage has now agreed to recall about 135,000 climate controls on the screen aren’t vis- of several payment relief options, some of which include: - extensions and lease vehicles because the large touch screens ible. deferred payments; - redirecting billing statements; and - arranging phone or on the console can go dark. Tesla says in documents that it will no- online payments. The recall of certain 2012 through 2018 tify owners starting March 30 and will re- Customers who would like to discuss their account options are encouraged to Model S sedans and 2016 through 2018 place the processors. contact TFS or LFS. Model X SUVs ends a fight with the Na- Last June, the agency opened an inves- Toyota Financial Services customers may call 800-874-8822 or contact TFS via tional Highway Traffic Safety Administra- tigation into complaints that the screens email using the Mail Center function after logging into ToyotaFinancial.com. tion, which had started the process of tak- would malfunction. It upgraded the probe Lexus Financial Services customers may call 800-874-7050 or contact LFS via ing the electric vehicle maker to court. to an engineering analysis in November. email using the Mail Center function after logging into LexusFinancial.com. In January the agency sent Tesla a recall The recall request letter sent to Tesla We extend our heartfelt thoughts to those affected by these storms. • request letter, saying that after an inves- said the agency has tentatively determined tigation, it had concluded tentatively that that the screens are defective because their the screens are defective and pose a safety computer processors have a finite number GM 2020 profit drops, but it makes $6.43B despite pandemic risk because the backup camera displays of program-and-erase cycles. NHTSA and defroster con- says the screens DETROIT — General Motors’ profit fell 4.5% in 2020, but a strong second half trols would go dark. NHTSA also determined would fail in five more than offset the effects of pandemic-related factory closures and a costly air Tesla had refused that the failure rate for the to six years, which bag recall. to do a recall, say- screens is higher than the rate isn’t sufficient for The Detroit automaker said it made $6.43 billion as demand for its vehicles ing that over-the-air safety-critical fea- surged late in a year dominated by coronavirus upheaval. In the fourth quarter, the software updates for vehicles involved in prior tures. company made $2.85 billion. would take care of recalls for similar problems. “The lack of a After GM’s North American factories reopened in May, the company ran the problem. functioning wind- many of them flat-out but couldn’t make up all the lost production. As customers But in a document posted by NHTSA shield defogging and defrosting system returned to buying again, inventory was short and GM’s U.S. sales for the year fell Tesla said it would recall the vehicles and may decrease the driver’s visibility in in- 12% from 2019. Even with the strong performance, GM shares fell 4.4% in mid- replace the screens’ computer processors, clement weather, increasing the risk of a day trading, largely because of cautious company guidance about a semiconductor even though it disagreed that the problem crash,” the letter said. chip shortage that’s affecting the whole auto industry. is a safety defect. The company said it In data submitted by Tesla, the agency GM predicted the shortage will cost it $1.5 billion to $2 billion in earnings would perform the recall “in the interest found more than 12,000 customer com- before taxes this year due to lost production. Still, GM expects pretax income for of bringing administrative closure to the plaints, field reports, warranty claims and the year of $10 billion to $11 billion, or $4.50 to $5.25 per share. (AP) • investigation and to ensure the best own- other claims related to the screens, the let- ership experience for our customers.” ter said. Tesla said it wasn’t aware of any crash- NHTSA also determined that the failure Ford loses $1.28B in 2020 with restructuring and recalls es or injuries caused by the problem, but rate for the screens is higher than the rate the unavailability of the backup camera for vehicles involved in prior recalls for DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. lost $1.28 billion last year as it dealt with a huge display, defroster control settings and turn similar problems. restructuring, a costly recall and a decline in the value of its pension fund. signal lighting may increase the risk of a Sending a recall request letter to an But the company said it is generating strong cash flow and will go all-in on elec- crash. The company said the processors automaker rarely happens as most agree tric vehicles. Ford said it would now spend at least $22 billion developing them wear out after about 3,000 program-and- to the agency’s wishes. If Tesla had con- through 2025, nearly double what it previously announced. erase cycles. tinued to refuse the recall, NHTSA would The automaker said that excluding one-time items, it made 41 cents per share for Under a Jan. 22 firmware update that have held a public hearing and eventually the year. That beat Wall Street estimates of breaking even. Revenue for the year covered 88% of the vehicles, customers would have taken the company to court. was $127.1 billion, down 18% from 2019. Analysts expected $128.2 billion in will get an alert from one to six months (AP) • revenue for the year. (AP) • before the screens malfunction, Tesla said. March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 35

Ford Remanufactured Diesel Engines Choose The Remanufactured That Can’t Be Beat: - OEM Perfect Fit Every Time - No-Risk Core Return - Bore Spray Technology - Same or Next Day Delivery - Competitive Prices - Nationwide Warranty Coverage* - Choose an Authorized Dealer Near You

Alabama Louisiana Tennessee

LONG-LEWIS FORD of Hoover ALL STAR FORD LANCE CUNNINGHAM FORD Hoover, AL Baton Rouge, LA Knoxville, TN 877-234-5664 • 205-989-3000 225-298-8080 • 800-779-0794 800-358-7601 • 865-687-1400 [email protected] www.allstarautomotive.com [email protected] Florida CRESCENT FORD RAY VARNER FORD Harahan, LA TALLAHASSEE FORD LINCOLN Clinton, TN Tallahassee, FL PD: (504) 734-3590 800-579-4561 • 865-457-0704 800-342-1128 • 850-877-6190 www.crescenttrucks.com [email protected] [email protected] HUB CITY FORD Texas Georgia Lafayette, LA AUTONATION FORD GULF FREEWAY 337-233-4500 • 800-960-0034 Houston, TX RIVERSIDE FORD LINCOLN www.hubcityford.com Macon, GA 713-371-4111 • 800-388-4005 800-637-4807 • 478-464-2961 Mississippi www.autonationgulffreeway.com [email protected] GRAY DANIELS FORD GRANDE TRUCK CENTER Kentucky Brandon, MS San Antonio, TX 601-825-2801 210-666-7266 • 800-779-7672 ALL-STATE FORD www.graydanielsford.com www.grandetruck.com Louisville, KY 800-333-6155 • 502-459-0550 MAC HAIK FORD HELFMAN FORD [email protected] Jackson, MS Stafford, TX 281-240-7628 • 800-634-8008 TOWN & COUNTRY FORD 601-956-7008 • 800-898-3673 www.machaikfordjackson.com [email protected] Louisville, KY 800-234-8131 • 502-964-8369 North Carolina McREE FORD [email protected] KEN WILSON FORD Dickinson, TX 281-337-1541 • 800-367-3958 Canton, NC Fax: (281) 534-2009 800-532-4631 • 828-454-7047 www.mcreeford.com [email protected]

* See dealer for warranty details. 36 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

Rearview

1976 Cadillac Custom Truck By Jay Hirsch Through the local Cadillac Club it made to fill that gap for the individual who and driving pleasure. There are no hills that found its way to its current owner, Cadil- could afford and appreciate the work that are too steep for the Mirage while hauling In 1975 and 1976 Traditional Coach lac Sal. Sal is known as “Cadillac Sal” for went into it. its two-horse-trailer payload. All roads are Works, located in Chatsworth, Calif., took although he likes all cars, his car of choice The Mirage was also quite adept at going level and straight. the standard Cadillac de Ville and is CADILLAC. Sal even has a tattoo of the to town to get some bales of hay. With its To those who have never had the plea- made a custom bodied pick up. This was Cadillac crest on his upper right arm. The full array of Cadillac convenience and sure of driving a 1950s to 1970s Cadillac, not a flower car. It was a made-to-be-used Mirage is just one of several Cadillac’s he safety features, that trip was made in style the cars will surprise you. They are pure pickup. A very upscale El Camino. owns. and comfort. Among the long list of items driving and riding pleasure. The car was The floor bed could carry four-foot-by Sal personalized his Mirage with some were a few that gave hint to what lay down called the “Standard of the World,” and it eight-foot sheets of plywood flat with the “cosmetic work,” which entailed a repaint, motordom’s highway. Some have only in was not just advertising jargon. In addition tailgate closed and the driver and passen- including the Cadillac V and crest painted the last few years been available on all cars: to the superb highway ride, the cars han- ger in absolute comfort. There was a metal on the tailgate, and the name Mirage air-cushion restraint (referred to as airbags dled well on curves and back roads. panel at the end of the floor bed that cov- Garage done with gold leaf lettering to go today), computer-controlled track master With its wide track and a ground clear- with the Mirage skid-control (known as ABS brake systems ance that was several inches lower than a Garage named today), and automatic level control, which pickup the sense of being part of the pave- after the car. automatically adjusts the height of the car ment was very real. The Mirage is 53.8 The motor to the carrying load. inches tall, 79.9 inches wide and 230 inches and transmis- These were in addition to the dual long. The vehicle weighs a little over two sion have never leather-covered seats, climate control, AM/ and a half tons, 5,127 pounds been in need of FM stereo tape player, trailering package The Mirage now rides on 235/75 x 15 repair. All the for heavy-duty towing, disc brakes, sun- radial tires that have narrow three-quarter- chrome and trim roof, controlled differential (which directs inch wide whitewalls. The tires on the car are original, as power to the rear wheel having better trac- when new were L78 x 15 radial tires with when the car was tion), and the list keeps going. a 1.6-inch whitewall. The gas tank holds delivered new in The Mirage is now used as a showy- 27 gallons of gas which can make for a 1976. When the work-weekend-cruiser-ride-fun vehicle. If cruising range of 340 to 390 miles on the second owner some item is needed at the local hardware highway. In 1976 you could have bought a purchased the store, the Mirage can take its owner there Cadillac Mirage for $19,000. car, the odom- in style and comfort and turn a few heads eter read 75,000 while going there. miles. There is nothing The interior too tall that can- looks like a car not fit in the bed that has 10,000 of the Mirage. You ered a “hidden storage area,” where small miles, not the 102,000 that it now displays. have the best of two articles of value could be stowed out of This speaks volumes for the quality of the worlds, the ride and view. The spare tire was also located here. materials Cadillac put into their car inte- interior of a 1970s The metal cover had a lock, just as a trunk riors of this period; if taken care of they Cadillac and the would have. could last, as in the case of the Mirage here. hauling capacity of The Mirage seen here is one of 104 made One thing is known: while in Texas the a Chevy Cheyenne, by Traditional Coach Works. There were Mirage was always “stabled,” otherwise all built into one several other companies that made pickups that strong Texas sun would have done its tremendous vehi- from the front wheel drive Eldorado and work on the paint and interior. cle. also from the standard Coupe de Ville. Tra- This Mirage has always been a limited- With that 500- ditional built theirs to Cadillac standards use work vehicle. On the ranch in Texas cid V-8 under the and could be ordered through a participat- it was used mainly to haul the two-horse- hood there is noth- ing Cadillac dealer. trailer to quarter horse events in Amarillo, ing this luxury This Mirage was ordered by an individ- the Quarter Horse Capital of the World. workhorse cannot ual in the Ft. Worth area of Texas through Pickup trucks in the mid-1970s were still carry or tow. That a local Cadillac dealer. The Mirage stayed pickups. The pick-ups did not have the ride 500 engine is not in Texas until the mid-1990s when it was or cab comfort of today’s trucks nor the so much for 0-to- bought by its second owner who lived in long and sometimes overkill list of acces- 60 times in seconds the Northeast. sories on today’s pickups. The Mirage was but for sheer power March 2021 AutoGraph’s Automotive Report 37

... brings more success to team Andretti, Jourdain team up to run Mexican race series Continued from page 32 yourself up in position to at least get some INDIANAPOLIS — Former CART rivals and Michel Jourdain Jr. CAR-high seven road courses — the first more points.” will team up to run the No. 1 car in Mexico’s Super Copa Championship series. was the following at Daytona — and four McDowell will have a different The two former drivers made the announcement recently. superspeedways, which theoretically approach to racing the rest of this season. By adding the Super Copa touring series to Andretti’s stable, his team will compete in gave FRM a fighting chance to compete He certainly wants to win more races, but seven different racing series this season. The newly formed Andretti Jourdain Autosport against NASCAR’s elite. he’s got his Daytona 500 trophy now and has not yet named a driver for the eight-race schedule. FRM now has its first playoff berth in can focus on helping FRM’s growth. For Andretti, the attraction to the Mexican-based series was simple. team history. More important, crew chief “I think that you always have the fire “It’s a good opportunity for us to maybe find some young Mexican talent and start Drew Blickensderfer has 25 weeks to and when you win that fire gets deeper, grooming (the drivers) to see if we can get the next Michel Jourdain to come to In- prepare for the championship rounds. He but we all know that’s not an every week dyCars,“ Andretti said. “I think it would be very important to have IndyCar back in can overhaul his strategy to fixate less on thing for us and our race team right now,” Mexico, and I think having Pato (O’Ward) there, being competitive, would help as well. decent finishes and instead aggressively McDowell said. “We know that on 26 of It could be a step closer to having racing in Mexico City.“ chase stage points and victories in hopes the racetracks, we’ll be happy to be in that Jourdain and O’Ward, one of IndyCar’s best young drivers, both grew up in Mexico. of a deeper playoff run. top 10. O’Ward finished fourth in points last season when he captured his first pole and was “All that matters right now is win- “I think this definitely gives us a lot of named the rookie of the year. ning the stage or winning the race for confidence. You always want more, but I Jourdain started his career on Mexico’s junior formula circuit in 1988. He jumped to us,” Blickensderfer said. “In the past, if am so thankful that I am not going to go the now-defunct Champ Car Series in 1996, finishing 152 races and winning twice in you’re running at Pocono and you’re run- my Cup career without a win. It’s such a nine seasons. Jourdain also competed in the NASCAR Busch Series, NASCAR trucks, ning seventh or eighth like we were last relief to know that I won’t go 400 starts IMSA and ALMS. He has spent the last seven seasons racing in his home country and year, we were super happy to finish there. without a win. I’ve always said I want now is joining a team with one of the world’s best-known racing surnames. (AP) • “But right now seventh or eighth one, and I’ve got one now and obviously doesn’t do any better for us than 15th. So we want two, right?” (AP) • why not take a gamble and see if you can either steal another (win) or you can put ... Busch leaves fans guessing

... peace following Daytona crash Continued from page 33 lane when Busch won the 2017 Daytona talking with Chevrolet and we’re talking 500 and the fellow Monster athlete says: with Monster.” “Don’t do it, man! Don’t retire!” Busch The 9-minute video was filmed in col- lives in South Florida near Vanilla Ice, the Continued from page 32 post a photo on social media that showed laboration with race team sponsor Mon- “Ice, Ice, Baby” rapper who pulls up next champion, said it makes no difference damage to equipment in his car from the ster Energy, and production required to the Chevy and gets caught up in smoke that it was teammates racing each other. fire started in the crash. working with Florida tourism bureaus from a burnout. He also noted that Hamlin in 2020 won Keselowski, the 2012 Cup champion about closing bridges and working with “The acting isn’t all that great,” Busch his third 500 “because he didn’t throw a but winless in 12 Daytona 500s, is in a the highway patrol so he could race down said, laughing. massive block.” contract year with Penske and probably empty streets. He used a car he had raced Whether this was a true retirement “I don’t think it has anything to do with can’t afford to feud with his teammate. at Michigan Speedway and topped 200 video, simply a marketing ploy for the the team you drive for; I think it has to do Logano, also a Cup champion and the mph as he streaked over the historic Sev- energy drink or even a negotiating tactic with the individual and how that person 2015 Daytona 500 winner, doesn’t have en Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys. for another contract remained unclear. But races,” Elliott said. the same job security concerns. “Who gets to go and take a NASCAR whatever the outcome, Busch hasn’t de- Elliott had his own commotion at Day- Logano has been part of several skir- car to Key West at 200 mph,” Busch cided when to finish racing. He was sixth tona in the exhibition Busch Clash when mishes with various drivers over the asked. “I was told the budget and then I in the 2014 Indianapolis 500, raced twice he crashed good friend Blaney as they years. The conflict has often escalated chipped in to get a quality engine from in the Rolex 24 endurance race and has raced for the victory on the road course. with rivals complaining Logano rarely Hendrick. Ganassi put the car together for eyes on the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Neither won the race. takes responsibility and allows feuds to me.” Baja 1000. Busch started 20th in the No. 1 “We’ve talked. We’re fine. It doesn’t fester. Busch even wrote part of the script, Chevrolet in this year’s Daytona 500, per- fix his race car from last weekend and This time, Logano is pushing for a including a “breaking news” scene with haps his last one. it certainly doesn’t fix his result, and I clean slate. He likened a problem with Fox Sports NASCAR announcer Michael “I don’t have answers on the NASCAR understand that,” Elliott said. “I hate it Keselowski to a marriage, where both Waltrip. Gronkowski partied in victory future,” he said. (AP) • as much as he does. But it’s racing and sides must come to a resolution and move we’re racing for wins. That’s a great forward. problem to have.” “It’s kind of the situation here, where It remains to be seen how Keselowski I will be forced and he will be forced to chooses to work with Logano going for- work with me,” Logano said. “We’re still ward. As of press-time, he had not com- teammates. We will have to figure this mentedon Logano’s push for the team- out.” (AP) • mates to move on, but Keselowski did Cavender Chevrolet Parts Direct (210) 477-8300 • (800) 889-8220 • Fax (210) 477-2968

For all your parts needs, when you need them! Make sure your customers’ Fords are back on the road as soon as possible — call Helfman Ford for all your genuine Ford and Power Stroke parts. We have decades of experience and a huge inventory. We’ll help you keep your business rolling. Parts: (281) 240-7628 - Toll Free: (800) 634-8008 www.cavenderchevrolet.com [email protected] Genuine GM Parts By The Truck Load 30700 Interstate 10 W. Boerne, TX 78006 38 AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report March 2021

WE HOPE YOU FIND US MORE USEFUL FOR YOUR AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR BUSINESS THAN BLINKER FLUID.

The advertisers in this issue and our website help us keep the information coming to you. We ask that you call them for all your parts and equipment needs. Give them a chance to earn your business, that’s all they ask.

GENUINE OEM BLINKER FLUID

ENGINEERED SCIENTIFICALLY TO GIVE YOUR VEHICLE’S BLINKER AT LEAST 10,000 MORE BLINKS THAN THE AFTERMARKET FLUID

FOR USE IN ORANGE BULBS ONLY DO NOT USE WITH CLEAR BULBS

DIRECTION: OPEN LID BEFORE POURING - DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADD FLUID WHILE VEHICLE IS MOVING - CHECK FLUID LEVEL AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN 3.639 MILES - CHECK YOUR VEHICLES OWNERS MANUAL FOR THE PROPER PSI WHEN APPLYING FLUID. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS ALONG WITH THE VEHICLES OEM APPLICATION STAN- DARDS MAY AFFECT BLINKER PERFORMANCE.

WARNING: DO NOT DRINK, SHAKE OR STIR.

AutoGraphic Publishing Company, Inc. Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved.