December 2020 Delta Automotive Report 1

VOL 27, NO 6 www.AutomotiveReport.net december 2020 Monthly News for the Local Automotive Industry in Louisiana and Southern Mississippi, including Body Shops, Mechanical Shops and Dealers. Don’t miss next months issue as we go exclusively on-line at www.automotivereport.net

Survey Findings and More: Auto repair industry news items you may have missed during this one-of-a-kind year

By John Yoswick COVID-19 doesn’t kill demand for body Not surprisingly during the near-total eco- appear. Even in April, more than one third techs nomic shut-down in April, 61 percent of of shops said they would hire a qualified It’s been a year like no other, so it seems As slow as business was been in many shops said they had no current openings body technician if they had an opportunity likely that some industry-related news and markets in the early days of the pandemic, for any shop position. But some demand to do so. trends flew under the radar for many col- more than one in four shops (27 percent) for body technicians remains. The other positions that the most shops lision repairers. Here’s our annual look said they still had a current opening for a Throughout 2019, more than 60 percent were looking to fill in 2019 were body at some of the headlines you may have body technician, according to a CRASH of shops said they had a current opening for helpers and painter’s helpers, with more missed in recent months. Network survey of 416 shops last spring. a body tech, and even more — 80 percent than a quarter of shops saying they were — said they would hire one if a qualified in need of one or the other. But this last applicant walked in the door. Though those spring, fewer than 1 in 10 shops said they numbers dropped this year, they didn’t dis- Continued on page 6 Retired shop owner: Discounting doesn’t add up

By David Bry decades of experience: Offer a quote, one that’s aligned with your business plan and When the phone rings and there is a reflects the value of your shop’s commit- potential repair customer on the line, you ment to the highest standards of automo- have a choice. You can offer a price quote tive repair and your years of experience and hope that it’s not too high and scares providing quality repairs. them away. Or you can take the approach Here’s Lynn Cardwell’s take on this sub- of a fellow mechanical shop owner with Continued on page 10

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RECALLS 5 Starting in January 2021 SHOP PROFILE - Auto Doctor of Franklin 8 the Automotive Report RACING NOTES 16 will be exclusively online! REARVIEW - The Muntz Jet 18 December 2020 will mark the end of an era. For over 32 years we’ve been printing and mailing the Automotive Reports. We are moving into the digital age.

VOL. 27, No. 6 • December 2020 For the last couple of years we have Editor Barry Forkum up-loaded the Automotive Report [email protected] online and we have established Publisher / Advertising Director Garnett Forkum a large following. So much so that it Art Director Allen Forkum has 10 times the readership of our Copy Editor print publications combined. Tom Williams Contributors John Yoswick, Steve McLinden Go to: Jay Hirsch, David Bry, Robert Bravender, Tom Williams www.automotivereport.net Advertising Sales Marj Pierce View the current issue and past articles, you can also Phone: (901) 466-0903 sign up for a free subscription notification that will Cell: (901) 497-0926 • Fax: (901) 466-9415 Email: [email protected] email you each time we post the new issue. Go today. www.AutomotiveReport.net

Delta Automotive Report is published every month by AutoGraphic Publishing Company, Inc. Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any contents, graphic or editorial, without permission is prohibited. Mem- ber of Associated Press. DAR accepts no responsibility for opinions of writers or for claims made by advertis- ers. Views expressed by writers are not necessarily those of the publication. DAR is mailed free of charge to independent repair shops in Southern Mississippi and all of Louisiana. AutoGraphic’s Automotive Report newspapers are also published for the regions in and around Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Birmingham, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Northern Kentucky and Indianapolis. Direct comments and suggestions to: 1121 Air- port Center Drive, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37214.

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automakers to sign a national memoran- row 35,000-vote difference in their previ- The election, telematics dum of understanding with the aftermarket ous contest. proponents to agree to comply with the Goodwin is the current chairman of Massachusetts law nationwide. the North Carolina Democratic Party and access, and insurance regs Now those proponents say they intend to the previous insurance commissioner. He take another run at a national bill next year. assumed office in 2009 and was defeated in By John Yoswick controlled. But the collision repair industry may want the 2016 election by Causey, who became To scan some 2018 and 2019 FCA vehi- to watch whether any such bill expands the state’s first Republican insurance com- Though the presidential and congres- cles — and nearly all 2020 models, Rozint beyond data access into other areas of missioner. sional election battles dominated the dis- said — shops must be registered with interest by coalition members, such as Causey issued a bulletin in 2019 remind- cussion in November, there were items on AutoAuth. There is a one-time registration LKQ Corporation (which had a representa- ing insurers they are prohibited from steer- the ballot in a number of states potentially fee of $50 per repair facility for up to six tive on a recent panel discussion) and the ing a consumer to a particular shop or impacting collision repairers. authorized users (additional users each are Consumer Access to Repair (CAR) Coali- “away from a particular repair shop either.” Despite millions of dollars from auto- $2 more). If not using FCA’s scan tool, a tion. That group, formed earlier this year, is “The Department understands that there makers spent this year to oppose an shop must supply the serial number of the funded by insurers and the non-OEM parts may be repair shops where interactions updated “Right to Repair” ballot initiative scan tool (or tools) they will be using from industry, and has a stated goal of “preserv- are more involved than with other shops; in Massachusetts, for example, voters there among those tools authorized by FCA. ing and protecting consumer choice, trans- however, a consumer has the statutory overwhelmingly supported the measure, “FCA has limited the registration to only parency and affordability in the post-colli- right to use any shop of his or her choice with three in four those tools that have sion repair market.” for repairs,” the bulletin stated. “Thus, by voters giving it a a diagnostic license During the post-election webinar, Lowe statute, a company or agent cannot discour- thumbs-up. The law Despite millions of dol- with FCA,” Rozint indicated that crash parts could be part of age in any way, (such as suggesting that the will require that all said. “So if you have the federal legislation. The bill, he said, repairs will be costlier, less timely, or of model year 2022 or lars from automakers a tool and it’s not on should address, “not just data access but a poor quality), a consumer from choosing a newer vehicles have spent this year to oppose the list, it’s probably lot of the other competitive issues that are specific shop for repairs.” a standardized open an updated “Right to because the scan going on in our industry…because of work Causey was in the news earlier this year data platform that Repair” ballot initia- tool manufacturer that’s being done by the manufacturers when he helped the FBI and prosecutors gives vehicle own- tive in Massachusetts, hasn’t registered [such as] requirements for OEM collision convict a billionaire owner of an insurance ers and independent yet, or they don’t parts in different states.” company who tried to use the promise of repairers access to for example, voters there license diagnostic In other election night news relative to campaign contributions to bribe Causey, telematics data. overwhelmingly sup- data from FCA.” the industry, incumbent Mike Causey, a whose office was investigating the insur- Backers of the ported the measure, with Once a shop’s retired life insurance executive and a for- ance company. legislation included three in four voters giving tools and techni- mer lobbyist for a state autobody associa- In races for insurance commissioner in the Auto Care Asso- it a thumbs-up. cians have been tion, won reelection as North Carolina’s other states, incumbents Democrat Trini- ciation; parts sellers authorized through commissioner of insurance by beating dad Navarro in Delaware and Democrat like NAPA, Auto AutoAuth, no other Wayne Goodwin in a rematch of their Mike Kreidler in Washington each won Zone and LKQ Corp.; and independent additional steps are required when scan- 2016 race. With 2,659 of the state’s 2,662 reelection; Montana elected Republican shops. They say the law won’t prevent ning or reprogramming FCA vehicles, precincts reporting, Causey held a lead of Troy Downing, and North Dakota elected automakers from using “secure gateway” Rozint said. 51.8 percent to 48.2 percent for Goodwin, Republican Jon Godfread (who ran unop- systems — like Fiat Chrysler of America’s Under the Massachusetts law approved a margin far more significant than the nar- posed). • use of AutoAuth — to require user regis- by voters in November, automakers may tration and use of authorized scan tools by use such a gateway, but any such processes those seeking to access telematics data. [must] be standardized across automakers Those gateway systems — in place or so that independent shops, for example, planned by a number of automakers, are wouldn’t have to use a variety of gateways “essentially a firewall, similar to one you’d to access different makes of vehicles. put on your home or office computer net- In an online panel discussion during the work in order to control the access to that Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo network from outside,” Jack Rozint of the day after the election, the Auto Care CCC Information Services said at the Col- Association and backers of the legislation lision Industry Conference (CIC) earlier said the next step is to push for similar leg- this year. “If you are an authorized user, islation on a national level. the secure gateway will not restrict your “We all know the big prize is getting this access to be able to do scans or reprogram done on a national basis,” the association’s modules, etc. If you aren’t an authorized Aaron Lowe said. user, or you’re trying to perform a function That’s something the coalition was that’s not permitted, you get blocked.” previously unsuccessful at making hap- The need for such gateways was clear pen despite a nearly decade-long effort, after the much-publicized hack in 2015 of which led instead to the first Massachusetts a Jeep Grand Cherokee that showed such “Right to Repair” ballot measure, passed vehicles could be remotely accessed and by voters in 2012. 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©2020 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks. December 2020 Delta Automotive Report 5

Recalls Exploding Takata air bag Compiled from AP, manufacturer, EPA and NHTSA news releases.

CHRYSLER FCA is recalling 19,075 2020 Ram trucks to replace the driver’s-side inflator kills man mirror glass, which over time can detach from the reflective surface. By AP Wire Service Takata used volatile ammonium nitrate GENERAL MOTORS is recalling 14,620 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Sil- to create a small explosion to inflate air verado and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra and Yukon vehicles to reprogram the vacuum DETROIT — U.S. investigators have bags in a crash. But the chemical can be- brake control module. The vacuum assist can decrease over time. determined that shrapnel from an explod- come more volatile over time when ex- ing Takata air bag killed a BMW driver posed to moisture in the air. The explosion JAGUAR LAND ROVER is recalling certain 2010 to 2011 Range Rover Sport during a crash in Arizona. can blow apart a metal canister and hurl vehicles. The upper cover on the rear spoiler may detach from the vehicle. Dealers The September death of the unidentified shrapnel into the passenger compartment. will apply a new adhesive to secure the spolier. male is the 18th in the U.S. since 2009 and The problem caused the largest series of 27th worldwide caused by the faulty infla- auto recalls in U.S. history, with at least MERCEDES-BENZ USA is recalling 12,799 2020 vehicles equipped with the tors. 63 million inflators recalled. The U.S. optional illuminated Mercedes star emblem in the front grill. The ground connec- The National Highway Traffic Safety government says that as of September, tion for this emblem may be improperly attached and affect other equipment, such Administration wouldn’t release further more than 11.1 million had not been fixed. as headlights, wipers, and power steering. Dealers will relocate the ground connec- details on the death, citing privacy con- About 100 million inflators have been re- tion. cerns. But the agency said the incident un- called worldwide. Mercedes is recalling 2,535 2020 GL vehicles to inspect and repair as needed derscores the importance of getting recall Most of the deaths have been in the the wiring to the power steering control unit. The wires, which could have been repairs done. U.S., but they also have occurred in Aus- damaged during the assembly process, can cause temporary loss of power steering In a statement, BMW said the man in the tralia and Malaysia. assist. crash was driving a 2004 3 Series BMW. Drivers can check to see if their vehi- The company said it has been working cles have been recalled by going to https:// TOYOTA is recalling 3,121 2020 Highlander vehicles. The seat trim cover on one to identify and contact owners of older www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and keying in their or both front seats could prevent the side airbag from deploying properly. Dealers BMWs with recalled Takata air bags. 17-digit vehicle identification number. will inspect the front seats and replace the trim covers as needed. • “We urge all owners to take the recall The recalls drove Japan’s Takata into notices seriously and to have the recalls bankruptcy and brought criminal charges completed at any authorized BMW Cen- against the company. Eventually it was ter, as soon as possible,” the statement purchased by a Chinese-owned auto parts said. supplier. (AP) • GM recalling nearly 69K Bolt electric cars due Ford recalls over 375K Explorers to fix to fire risk suspension problem DETROIT — General Motors is recalling nearly 69,000 Chevrolet Bolt electric cars worldwide because the batteries have caught fire in five of them. DETROIT — Ford is recalling more than 375,000 Explorer SUVs in the U.S. and The company says it doesn’t know yet what’s causing the fires, but engineers are Canada to fix a suspension problem that has caused 13 crashes. working around the clock to figure it out. Two people have suffered smoke inhalation The recall covers SUVs from the 2013 through 2017 model years built at Ford’s Chi- due to the blazes. cago Assembly Plant from Sept. 4, 2012 to Jan. 25, 2017. They were sold or registered Bolt Executive Chief Engineer Jesse Ortega says dealers will install software that in 22 states and six Canadian provinces where salt is used to clear roads during the limits charging to 90% of the battery’s capacity until a permanent fix is developed. winter. The recall covers Bolts from the 2017 through 2019 model years, including nearly The automaker said that in places where corrosion is common, the rear toe links can 51,000 in the U.S. fracture, reducing steering control. A toe link provides more weight on the rear tires so It comes one month after the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration they stay firmly on the ground. announced that it is investigating the Bolt fires. The agency said in documents filed in Six people have been hurt in the crashes, the company said. October that the fires began under the rear seat while the cars were parked and unat- Dealers will inspect the suspension and replace parts if necessary. Customers will be tended. notified starting the week of Nov. 30. Ortega says engineers have traced the fires to Bolts with battery cells made at an LG States included in the recall are Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Chem factory in Ochang, South Korea, from May of 2016 to May of 2019. The fires Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New have happened when the batteries were close to being fully charged, he said. Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, “We have no confirmed incidents from vehicles with cells not produced at this factory Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin plus Washington, D.C. Also included are the or a lower state of charge,” Ortega said. Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Some 2019 Bolts and all 2020 and 2021 versions have cells made at an LG Chem Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec. (AP) • plant in Holland, Michigan, and are not included in the recall, he said. GM hopes to find the cause and have a permanent repair as quickly as possible after the first of the year, Ortega said. Engineers are looking at several potential causes and www.AutomotiveReport.net don’t have a prevailing theory, he told reporters on a conference call. (AP) •

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43940_SE12_8th_AR.indd 1 11/17/20 2:26 PM 6 Delta Automotive Report December 2020

mon. erence manual, considers the process as ... Survey Findings and More “I think this is going to become impor- part of the welding repair operation and tant as we start to see more three-stage and includes the time for the process in the time Continued from page 1 fallen 10 percent since 2004. four-stage finishes, as well as more lim- allotted for the welded panel replacement,” were looking to fill openings in those posi- More shops using materials invoicing ited-use toners that shops may not stock Audatex told SCRS. tions. systems because they are only infrequently used Audatex said its time studies have found Collision repair costs rise — or do they? A “Who Pays for What?” survey this or have limited shelf-life,” Anderson said. that its labor times are appropriate for all Collision claims severity made a sizable year, conducted by Collision Advice and “I believe the shift toward invoicing will included operations, and adds that SCRS’ jump for the second consecutive year in CRASH Network, found the percentage of continue, and that the trend toward using request for changes to its documentation 2019, according to data from ISO (a Verisk shops using a materials invoicing system is the paint scale to create invoices will con- and methodology “should not overshadow Analytics business). The data shows the still low — but has been growing. tinue as more paint companies integrate the fact that no one has questioned the suf- average collision claim last year rose to The survey of more than 700 shops their scales and systems with the shop ficiency of the repair times in our product $3,750, up 4.81 percent from $3,574 in around the country found that although management systems.” to include the stated operations.” 2018, adding to the 4.3 percent increase in more than seven in 10 shops still rely on The survey findings are available at Many shops decline insurers’ credit cards 2017. That is far higher than the average the traditional multiplier method (dollars www.crashnetwork.com/collisionadvice. The owner of a three-shop collision annual increase of just 1.8 percent over per refinish hour) to attempt to cover their Audatex feature called ‘inconsistent’ repair business this fall said The Hartford the prior 10 years, and makes the average cost of paint and materials, 28 percent are The Society of Collision Repair Spe- (for which the MSO is a DRP) was ask- collision claim in 2019 nearly 35 percent using an invoicing system such as Mitch- cialists (SCRS) this year challenged what ing his company to sign up for the insurer’s higher than the most recent low of $2,778 ell’s Refinish Materials Calculator or just it calls “an inconsistency” in the Audatex “virtual payables initiative,” which will in 2010 during the recession. Over the the shop’s paint scale. That’s up from just feather, prime and block digital tool. enable The Hartford to pay for claims via past 20 years, collision severity has now 19 percent in the same survey five years SCRS says its concern is two-fold. First, credit card. In its notice to the MSO, The officially doubled, up 100 percent since ago. it says, Audatex’s estimating reference Hartford says the switch will “accelerate 1999. While insurers have not universally manual in 2007 indicated that labor and payments” and “reduce paperwork.” The Those may seem like big increases, warmed up to invoicing systems, the major- materials for feather, prime and block was owner of the MSO, however, was con- but once inflation is taken into account, ity of shops who use them say they are paid not-included in Audatex times for replac- cerned about the added credit card process- the real cost of collision repairs today is by the eight largest insurers “always” or ing a welded panel. But later versions ing fees this would cost his company. only slightly higher than it was 20 years “most of the time” when they bill based on of the reference manual state only that “Depending on the deal a shop has [for ago — and far below where it was in the the charges calculated by their invoicing labor and materials for feather, prime and processing], this could be 1.75 percent to 3 early 2000s. Adjusting the data for infla- system. Shops report that with the excep- block are not-included in Audatex times percent off the top,” he said. tion, using 1999 as the base year, collision tion of Geico, the top eight insurers all for repaired panels, without referencing At least one other small MSO on The claim severity last year was just $92 more agree to the invoiced amount 60 percent to welded panels. Hartford’s DRP in another state said they than the $2,352 it was in 1999, an increase 70 percent of the time, and the survey data SCRS says that in 2008, Audatex told had not heard about the ‘virtual payables’ of 3.9 percent. indicates that has been the case for at least the Database Enhancement Gateway that program. But other shops said it should not On an inflation-adjusted basis, colli- the past four years. labor times for welded panels include be a concern. sion claims severity peaked prior to the Shop consultant and trainer Mike Ander- feather, prime and block, and SCRS has “They have asked us for this, but we last recession, with the average severity son of Collision Advice said now may be a questioned if the change was made with- refused and requested a check, and they in 2004 reaching $2,716 in 1999 dollars. good time to make the switch before more out any adjustment to the labor times. have complied with our request,” the presi- Taking inflation into account shows that complicated refinish procedures, with spe- SCRS’ second and related concern is dent of a four-shop MSO in the Midwest the average collision claim severity has cial materials, become increasingly com- that the feather, prime and block operation said. can require the use of materials regard- Indeed, no one from The Hartford is say- less of whether it is being performed on a ing participation in the credit card payment Help us show the industry ... repaired panel or a welded-on replacement program is required. A Northern California part. Yet Audatex, the association says, shop owner who participates in The Hart- provides a means for determining a charge ford’s DRP had similar concerns about the for those materials based on labor times processing fees. only for user-defined repaired panels, not “We declined, and they did give us that for Audatex-defined welded replacement option,” the shop owner said. panels. For welded replacement parts, Several shops said they have had iso- SCRS states, “there is no breakout of what lated requests by some insurers to pay by labor has been assigned to the operation credit card on a given job. of feather, prime and block in the labor “We just added the fees back into the How many of 24 “not-included” procedures do you bill for when you report, and no way to reflect it on the repair estimate on those,” the owner of a small have done them as part a repair? plan, and no way to capture materials.” MSO in the Southeast said. SCRS calls this “an inconsistent “Nationwide tried that a while back, giv- How regularly do the largest auto insurers pay your shop for those approach” that is “inhibiting repair facili- ing customers pre-paid Visa cards,” a shop procedures? ties from being able to capture the labor owner in the Pacific Northwest said. “We or materials on welded replacement opera- just declined to accept those and held the Find out why 88% of those participating in the “Who Pays for What?” tions.” cars until a check or electronic funds trans- Audatex and SCRS agree this is an issue fer arrived.” surveys say it’s helping them improve their business. the two have had multiple discussions Not all shops are opposed to accepting about “over the years,” both in writing and credit card payments from insurers. *Take the latest survey! in-person meetings. “I see why some shops wouldn’t want to “We recognize that some members of do it, but I don’t really care as long as I www.crashnetwork.com/whopays SCRS would prefer that our products get the money right away,” the owner of detail, as a line item, the time involved another three-shop MSO, which does take The quarterly “Who Pays” surveys are conducted by Collision in the feather, prime and block processes credit card payments from The Hartford, Advice and… relating to replacement of welded-on pan- said. “We have some others that pay by els,” Audatex states in a recent written credit card, too, and on many of them we response to SCRS. “That is not an option can add the fees to the estimate.” • The weekly source currently available in our product.” of collision repair news The determination of material costs for John Yoswick, a freelance writer based and information you won’t that operation, Audatex states, “is best pro- in Portland, Ore., who has been writing vided by the estimate preparer for consid- about the automotive industry since 1988, find anywhere else! eration and allowance during the estimate is also the editor of the weekly CRASH Net- Subscribe now! Go to: preparation process.” work bulletin (www.CrashNetwork.com). www.crashnetwork.com/report Audatex says some shops consider He can be contacted by email at john@ feather, prime and block as part of the CrashNetwork.com. preparation for paint while others consider *All individual shop responses remain confidential. One response per shop location. Shops that complete the survey and provide an email address will be sent the results, at no charge, once they are compiled. it as part of the welding repair operation. “Our system, as explained in our ref- December 2020 Delta Automotive Report 7

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who came into the Harley shop were in a good mood because it was a hobby, a life- style for them. But most people with their automobiles are great people, and I enjoy that part of it. And our customer base — that’s something I was very impressed with. It has been phenomenal,” Odell motioned at his service manager, Jason Plunkett. “Jason came from a Beamer shop that he worked at for 20 years. And I think he was surprised at how busy we’ve been.” “Definitely,” Plunkett replied. Having started with Odell a little over a year ago, the young man brought some of his own customers along with him. “If I tell you there’s something wrong with your car, I’ll walk you out there and I’ll show you and describe to you what the problem is,” Plunkett explained. “We do a lot of that,” Odell confirmed. “We’ll show people what’s going on, show them pictures. We get people who come in here with (someone else’s price quotes) that are just outrageous. We had a guy whose family was getting ready to go on a trip, and was told he needed a new A/C compressor and brake work, plus a few other small things that added up to $3,000. We looked at it: brakes — yeah, probably. AUTO DOCTOR Another oil change or two — he could get by on that. But the A/C just needed Freon, Franklin so we charged it up and sent him out the of door for like $200.” + A common denominator with their clien- Pictured above is Jason Plunket, owner Bill Odell and service writer Trent Rhodes. Pictured on the cover is By Robert Bravender tele is that most of them have older cars. technician Zackary Campbell. “We might do Quaint, historic, emergent. Franklin, an oil change on a ’17 Tenn., is a tiny suburb of metropolitan or ’18, but most of the Nashville. It’s also the county seat for cars that come in for Williamson County, which currently has, brakes and other work according to Wikipedia, the highest per are 10 to 15 years old,” capita income in the state, due in part to observed Odell. “These big companies like automakers Nissan and are people who are try- Mitsubishi locating their North American ing to keep their cars headquarters here. going. Who wants a A remarkable place, made all the more car payment nowadays, noteworthy by its preservation of historic right? It’s cheaper to buildings downtown. So if you were on spend $1,000 to $2000 Columbia Avenue and pulled into Auto on a car to keep it run- Doctor of Franklin, you wouldn’t be sur- ning. prise to find it housed in a World War II- “We can fix era gas station with all the Art Deco curves a cable or do a fluid intact. It even still focuses on basic vehicle change on a transmis- maintenance like brakes, oil changes, and sion,” Odell continued. rear ends. “We’ll send them down “As far as being downtown, I think it’s to Coleman-Taylor if awesome, especially when you talk to peo- it needs to be rebuilt. ple and tell them where you’re located,” Sometimes we’ll swap owner Bill Odell said. transmission out our- Naturally space is a little limited in such selves, getting the cus- a setting, but the shop functions well with tomer a used one, usu- five bays; the basic two-bay service station 1999, he became friends with the shop’s or anything; I’m sick of it. Doing cars just ally with a warranty. Same with engines; having been augmented over time with an future owner while working at a local H-D sounded more enticing to me, something it’s a lot easier to swap out an engine than extra one in front, and a long one divided dealership. Eventually they would both different career-wise. Ironically I’ve got a to dig deep into it. I just put a 70,000-mile into two all the way across the back. depart, Odell returning to IT, the friend to guy working on all my computers who’s engine in a 200,000-mile Nissan truck, and But being downtown gives them some- buy Auto Doctor. just the opposite; he spent his whole life it came with an 18-month warranty. We get thing shops located out in industrial parks “He had it for about 10 years before he working on cars, then opened up a com- the engines mainly through Knox, LKQ.” have been deprived of for a long time: vis- retired,” Odell recalled. “Then he asked me puter business after he turned 50. That’s all However, Odell noted they usually do ibility. if I was interested in buying it. I was, and I he does now.” not to take anything older than 1995. “We see people walking by here all the did.” But what lead Odell to go into business “The goal is to ‘turn and burn,’ get the time, especially on a nice day,” Odell said. Auto Doctor currently has six employ- for himself in the first place? car in and get it out, keep the cars flowing “So there’s a lot of outside traffic.” ees: three techs along with Jason Plunkett “I’ve got to say, people. When I worked through the bays,” he explained. “If we get While the shop’s been around since — who as the service manager can turn for Harley-Davidson, I loved dealing with an older car in here, it takes more time to 2006, Odell only took it over about two a wrench if the need arises — a service the public,” he explained. “It was partly find parts, so by the time the parts get here years ago, and it was quite an unusual path writer, Odell’s daughter doing the book- that and partly my plan from a retirement the car is tying up a bay for a day or two. to that ownership. Having been involved keeping, and Odell himself. standpoint. That’s not what you want to do.” in computers since he was 19, Odell was “It’s funny,” he observed. “I’d been in IT “Of course, automobiles are a little bit “Plus the diagnostics changed from ’95- an early IT operative. But his heart was in for 30-some years, and as far as comput- different,” Odell said of repairing some- ’96,” Plunkett added. “When you do the Harleys, and after moving to the area in ers go I have no desire to work on them one’s basic transportation. “Most people Continued on page 12 December 2020 Delta Automotive Report 9

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... does not add up

Continued from page 1 ject. She and her husband, Bill, ran a very Remanufactured Diesel Engines successful full-service auto repair shop for more than 30 years in Sacramento, Calif., before retiring in 2016. Dave Bry: How does an owner’s per- Choose Ford Remanufactured Diesel Engines ception of his or her shop’s value shape the shop’s pricing policies? Lynne Cardwell: Auto repair pricing OEM Designed for Perfect Fit Every Time - No-Risk Core Return - Bore Spray Technology practices have been examined, re-exam- ined and preached about for decades. Over the 30 years we operated our repair shop, Same or Next Day Delivery Available - Competitive Prices - Nationwide Limited Warranty I worked with three separate consulting firms to learn more about customer acqui- sition and retention, pricing strategies, Coverage* *See your seller for limited-warranty details attracting and keeping good techs, inven- tory management, and so on. At our after- market industry gatherings and associa- tion meetings, we spoke frequently about marketing and pricing strategies. The consensus was that it was possible to dis- ALL STAR FORD count ourselves right out of business even Baton Rouge, LA HUB CITY FORD Lafayette, LA PD: (225) 298-8080 - (800) 779-0794 PD: (337) 233-4500 - (800) 960-0034 Fax: (225) 298-8041 Fax: (318) 272-4600 Helping people www.allstarautomotive.com understand their own www.hubcityford.com worth and value tends to multiply. When your CRESCENT FORD employees feel highly Harahan, LA MAC HAIK FORD valued, they show PD: (504) 734-3590 Jackson, MS customers that same Fax: (504) 818-0997 PD: (601) 956-7008 - (800) 898-3673 kindness but from a www.crescenttrucks.com Fax: (601)952-2821 position of strength. www.machaikfordjackson.com GRAY DANIELS FORD though overflowing with new customers. Brandon, MS DB: How does a shop owner or manager avoid this pitfall? How do they determine PD: (601) 825-2801 - (800) 898-1944 pricing strategies? LC: As an industry, it has been ham- Fax: (601) 591-2648 mered into our heads not to operate with- out a clear understanding of margins and www.graydanielsford.com pricing. Among our peers, we talked knowingly about coupons and marketing campaigns that attracted price shoppers, and we swapped stories about the transient nature of customers we attracted by these campaigns. Most of us had tried them all at one time or another. What made us turn to desperate forms of advertising? February, April, and November — that’s what drove us to it. When the car count dropped, we panicked, and instead of sticking to the plan, we followed our gut and made it worse. When we diverted from our plan, we invited trouble. It usually happens slowly, but it happens. Those businesses were often built by kind, generous-hearted people who couldn’t resist winging it, too often shooting from the hip with their pricing. They weren’t watching their core numbers; the business was floating along until it was gone. December 2020 Delta Automotive Report 11

DB: What causes shops to divert from a well thought-out plan? LC: It takes self-discipline and cour- age to ignore the wrong messages we get from all sides, from what we think is “the market.” The pressure to devalue ourselves and our services is everywhere around us, particularly in a culture that promotes col- Remanufactured Diesel Engines lege degrees for everyone and looks down its nose at technical and trade schools. If we’re not paying attention, we can absorb and unwittingly agree with an elitist view Choose Ford Remanufactured Diesel Engines of ourselves and our work, our gifts and skills. DB: Why don’t other professions suffer OEM Designed for Perfect Fit Every Time - No-Risk Core Return - Bore Spray Technology the same devaluation? How do they avoid discounting? LC: Think about physicians in white Same or Next Day Delivery Available - Competitive Prices - Nationwide Limited Warranty coats, stethoscopes and well-trained nurs- ing staff in latex gloves; attorneys and impressive law libraries, leather chairs and Coverage* *See your seller for limited-warranty details legal assistants who remember your name and provide good coffee while you wait; and dentists with high-tech, expensive equipment and skilled hygienists, crisp clean offices that invariably smell nice. There’s no need to point out the obvious ALL STAR FORD comparisons and counterparts to our own Baton Rouge, LA HUB CITY FORD industry. They’re all there in some form Lafayette, LA that is appropriate to what we do, or they PD: (225) 298-8080 - (800) 779-0794 should be. PD: (337) 233-4500 - (800) 960-0034 But because we are mechanics, techni- Fax: (225) 298-8041 Fax: (318) 272-4600 cians, repair shop owners, and we’ve been www.allstarautomotive.com told our industry can’t be trusted, we’ve www.hubcityford.com half believed it. We must not let ourselves look away from our fundamental margins and our pricing plan. If the plan hasn’t been updated in six months, start again with what you know are real numbers as the CRESCENT FORD foundation for your current pricing plan. I Harahan, LA MAC HAIK FORD believe chronic underpricing is a symptom Jackson, MS of insecurity and feeling unworthy to be PD: (504) 734-3590 adequately paid for our services. Fax: (504) 818-0997 PD: (601) 956-7008 - (800) 898-3673 DB: You had significant experience in other non-automotive businesses. This www.crescenttrucks.com Fax: (601)952-2821 clearly gave you insight into how to grow www.machaikfordjackson.com a business and how to “think like a cus- tomer.” What can shop owners and manag- ers do daily to build their businesses? LC: At the end of the day when you see GRAY DANIELS FORD that your pricing policies are being fol- Brandon, MS lowed and average margins are being met, then you’ve had a good day. Always keep in PD: (601) 825-2801 - (800) 898-1944 mind, your profession is contributing a ser- vice of great value to your community. You Fax: (601) 591-2648 are providing good jobs in a stable, healthy work environment. Your shop’s reputation www.graydanielsford.com brings in customers who are looking for honesty and quality repairs at a fair price, and who are far more likely to stay cus- tomers for many years. A good reputation among your peers and in the community is built slowly over time. Your customers will tell you how much they trust you and how valuable your knowledge and services are to them. This leads to a culture of mutual respect and honor among the staff, and it becomes almost unthinkable to break away from a system that is working in a tangible way. Helping people understand their own worth and value tends to multiply. When your employees feel highly valued, they show customers that same kindness but from a position of strength. And when employees have a stake in the outcome, your entire team will benefit. •

David Bry is a senior technical writer for ALLDATA. 12 Delta Automotive Report December 2020

... Auto Doctor Only Genuine GM Parts are designed Continued from page 8 online,” Odell reported. “And then I’ve got and built by GM to fit the exact specifications of your emissions test in ’96 and newer cars, you a marketing team, Mud Advertising, which customers’ Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle. can plug into the diagnostic port under the does some stuff based off of the website, to hood. Before that you’re limited in what help drive sales and direct targeted market- you can figure out through diagnostics.” ing. If somebody goes to your website and SnapOn is their primary diagnostic tool, does a search for some type of repair, they which they pay a monthly fee for updates. target those people.” And while the COVID- 19 outbreak jostled their numbers for 2020, Odell reported that most of the year had been pretty good — and in one month, surprisingly good. “June was unbeliev- able,” he remarked. “Sales-wise June was the best month in my memory, and that goes back to when (the previ- ous owner) was here for 10 years. It evened out after that, but if you look “We also got Autologic for European at January to now, we’re definitely way up cars,” Odell explained. “Once we get the compared to last year, even taking the hit trouble codes, we go to IdentiFix, software in April, which was 50 percent of what we we use to see what common repairs are typically do that time of year.”

Only Genuine GM Parts are designed, engineered, and “The goal is to ‘turn and burn,’ get the tested by GM to fit the exact specifications of your cus- car in and get it out, keep the cars flow- tomers’ Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle. ing through the bays,” he explained. Call one of the dealers below today. “If we get an older car in here, it takes more time to find parts, so by the time Baton Rouge, LA the parts get here the car is tying up a ALL STAR ChevRoLeT bay for a day or two. That’s not what (225) 298-8080 • (800) 779-0794 Fax: (225) 298-8041 you want to do.” www.allstarchevroletbr.com

ChevYLAND Shreveport, LA (318) 425-3471 • (800) 551-8189 Fax: (318) 425-1705 recommended based on those codes.” On the plus side, they took advantage of www.chevyland.com Which means they can work on vaunted that slowdown to do some refurbishing of marques like Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, the shop. However what really helped dur- Audi, “and VW,” added Odell. “As a mat- ing the pandemic was that they already did ter of fact we swapped out an engine on a pickup and delivery of cars. Besides hav- SeRvICe ChevRoLeT Lafayette, LA VW not too long ago.” ing a key drop box they’re also tied in with “It’s all nut and bolts,” Plunkett said of a local towing company. (337) 234-9411 • (800) 960-3984 Fax: (337) 233-4161 German engineering. “They’ve got their “They bring us a lot of cars,” Odell said. quirks like any car manufacturer does, but “Customers may call for a tow, or they’ve www.servicechevrolet.com once you’ve worked on a few of them, it’s got AAA.” just repetitive nature.” They’re also a NAPA Auto Car Center, Meanwhile, Odell used some his own “which gives customers piece of mind with Gulfport, MS background to overhaul the shop’s internet a guaranteed warranty nationwide” he con- TURAN-FoLeY ChevRoLeT presence. tinued. “I’ve used it before; I actually had (228) 539-5034 • (888) 273-4922 Fax: (228) 539-5689 “One of the first things I did was get the someone come in from Illinois who had website taken care of, getting on social brakes done that we re-did, covered under www.turanfoley.com media, start doing some advertising, and warranty.” enabled CRM,” he explained. “We have a With much of the city’s auto repair busi- Mitchell system for running the shop, but ness laid out along the Columbia corridor (the previous owner) had its sales and mar- heading out of town, Auto Doctor of Frank- keting tool totally shut off, so I turned that lin occupies a geographical and historical on. I think it’s brought in some more busi- trailhead for the local industry. Old tradi- ness, keeps us busier.” tions combined with cutting edge technol- The website was updated through ogy; this shop is at the heart of things. • GoDaddy, “which has a whole social division that helps manage your presence December 2020 Delta Automotive Report 13

3D-Printed parts supported over 80,000 miles of Chevrolet racing

By Chevrolet Press Release and headlight assemblies. Fifty of these parts were designed or printed in-house DETROIT — 3D printing has taken on by GM. a powerful role in Chevrolet Motorsports, Since then, the C8.Rs have accumu- both on- and off-road. This season, the lated nearly 8,000 miles of competition Corvette C8.R, INDYCAR, NASCAR in seven races. Corvette Racing has had a Camaro and Silverado race teams have dominant 2020 season, taking home five accumulated more than 80,000 miles first-place wins and three 1-2 finishes, of competition in vehicles built with including the punishing 2020 Cadillac Grand Prix of Sebring. The INDYCAR program has also had great success leveraging 3D printing for the ing duct, which has accumulated nearly creativity and cost savings,” said Audley Chevrolet Indy 18,500 miles of competition in 27 races. Brown, GM director, Materials Engineer- V6. Components “By utilizing 3D-printed parts, Chev- ing, Additive Design and Manufacturing. in the Chevrolet rolet Motorsports is demonstrating the “3D-printed parts can offer equal strength INDYCAR V6 many benefits of additive manufactur- and durability to cast or milled compo- exhaust system ing, including manufacturing efficien- nents, which is critical for product devel- are 3D printed, cies, mass reduction, parts consolidation, opment and design.” • which helps eliminate failure points in tradi- Government furthers investigation into Tesla tional manufac- tured components while increasing camera failures design freedom WASHINGTON — U.S. safety regulators are continuing their investigation into and reducing cost. complaints that Tesla’s giant touch screens can fail and cause the cars to lose the rear Chevrolet INDY- camera display and other functions. CAR engines The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s report says about 159,000 have run over cars could be affected by the problem. The agency said an engineering analysis has 60,000 miles been opened to assess the scope and safety-related consequences of the apparent since the sea- defect, which could determine whether or not the models need to be recalled. son kicked off Failure of the touchscreen can result in loss of the rear camera image display when at Genesys 300 reverse gear is selected, resulting in reduced rear visibility when backing up, the agen- at Texas Motor cy’s report said. The touchscreen failure can also affect defogging ability and audible Speedway in Fort chimes relating to driver assistance technology, autopilot and turn signals. Worth on June 6, A preliminary investigation was opened in June covering 63,000 Model S vehicles 2020. with screens controlled by flash memory devices with finite lifespans based on the The Silverado number of program and erase cycles. The screens can fail prematurely because the off-road race memory can wear out. truck debuted at The same screens and processors were used in 2012 through 2018 Model S and 2016 the Best in the to 2018 Model X vehicles built through early 2018, the agency said. (AP) • Desert Method Race Wheels Laughlin Desert Classic in Octo- ber 2019. The Sil- verado competes in the 1200 Stock class, which lim- its changes to 3D-printed parts. suspension, underbody and installation of “Chevrolet has a long history of tech- race-safety equipment. As such, the Sil- nology transfer between our motors- verado has three 3D-printed parts made ports and production teams, and this in-house by GM, including a rear damper is a perfect example of our approach,” shield made with carbon-fiber reinforced said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice presi- plastic, which protects the rear dampers dent of Performance and Motorsports. from the rocky desert terrain. “GM’s 3D-printing capability speeds up Since October 2019, the Silverado race our learning cycles and, in turn, these truck has accumulated 900 miles of com- racetrack experiences help our additive petition in six races. Call Us For All Your Power Stroke Diesel manufacturing team move one step closer Chevrolet also switched to the Camaro to using 3D-printed parts in production ZL1 1LE for the 2020 NASCAR Cup Parts and Service! vehicles.” Series, replacing the Camaro ZL1. Chev- PD: (225) 298-8080 - (800) 779-0794 Two all-new mid-engine Corvette race rolet engineers optimized the aerody- cars – both C8.Rs – debuted at Rolex 24 at namic performance through extensive, Baton Rouge, LA - Fax: (225) 298-8041 Daytona on Jan. 25, 2020, each equipped full-scale wind-tunnel testing. Over 500 with 75 3D-printed parts, including the oil 3D-printed prototype parts were used tank, tank inlet and cap, air conditioning in testing to develop the new ZL1 1LE body. Additionally, the Camaro ZL1 1LE driver cooling box and integrated hydra- www.ALLSTARAUTOMOTIVE.com tion system, power steering pump bracket is equipped with a 3D-printed gear cool- 14 Delta Automotive Report December 2020

Mopar: New 807-hp Hellcrate Redeye percent increase in oiling for valve # 68303091AA) is available to order springs and rocker tips for improved today for a U.S. Manufacturer’s Sug- lubrication and cooling gested Retail Price (MSRP) of $21,807. Supercharged HEMI® Crate Engine Single-groove collets on valve stems The new Hellcrate Redeye 6.2-liter for improved stability. Oil pan and Supercharged Crate HEMI V-8 engine windage tray optimized for high accel- joins four proven power plants in the By FCA Press Release said Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa eration – tested up to 1.8 g. Each engine Mopar Crate HEMI engine family: Romeo and Head of Passenger Cars – is dyno-tested for 42 minutes before “Hellephant” 426 Supercharged Crate November 6, 2020 , Auburn Hills, Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA being shipped. HEMI (part # P5160194AC) 1,000 Mich. - Mopar is unleashing the most – North America. “The new 807-horse- This complete engine assembly horsepower and 950 lb.-ft. of torque powerful production muscle-car engine power Hellcrate Redeye crate engine includes a supercharger with throttle $29,995 MSRP ever available to builders and enthusi- gives any pre-1976 vehicle owner body, fuel injectors, coil packs, water “Hellcrate” 6.2-liter Supercharged asts with the launch of its newest crate another opportunity to become a mem- pump, front sump oil pan and flexplate. Crate HEMI (part # 68303089AB) 707 engine – the 807-horsepower Hellcrate ber of the Dodge Brotherhood of Mus- Builders who prefer a manual trans- horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque Redeye 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI® cle by tapping into the Dodge//SRT mission can purchase the following: $20,215 MSRP V-8 engine. power that wasn’t available then, but is Flywheel (part # 05038113AD) 6.4-liter Crate HEMI (part # “With the addition of this new super- now.” Flywheel to crankshaft bolts (part # 68303090AA) 485 horsepower and 475 charged HEMI, Mopar now offers five 06504398) lb.-ft. of torque $10,060 MSRP HEMI crate engines with a range of If you know, you know. If you don’t, Clutch and pressure plate assembly 5.7-liter Crate HEMI (part # 375 to 1,000 horsepower,” said Mark the new Hellcrate Redeye power plant (part # 05038769AB) 68303088AA) 375 horsepower and 410 Bosanac, Head of Mopar Service, Parts features significant upgrades versus the Clutch to flywheel bolts (par t# lb.-ft. of torque $6,550 MSRP 06508880AA) Mopar HEMI crate engines are cov- Also available is a Front End ered against defects in materials and Accessory Drive (FEAD) Kit (part # workmanship for a 90-day period (parts 77072492), which includes an alterna- exchange only). For more information, tor, power-steering pump, belts, pulleys customers should visit www.cratehemi. and mounting hardware. com. • The Hellcrate Redeye 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V-8 engine (part Auction of rare automobiles once owned by businessman nets $44 million

ELKHART, Ind. — An auction of hundreds of rare and antique automobiles that once belonged to a northern Indiana businessman has generated more than $44 million in proceeds in a bankruptcy case. Held the last weekend in October, the auction of the 240 autos as well as automotive memorabilia once owned by Najeeb Khan drew more than 2,500 live and remote bid- ders from 53 countries, The Elkhart Truth reported. Khan is the former CEO of Interlogic Outsourcing Inc., an Elkhart-based payroll processing firm that was sold after filing for bankruptcy protection last year. RM Sotheby’s said the auction grossed just under $44.4 million in sales, including eight cars that went for more than $1 million each. The auction house said it expected the collection to sell for $35 million to $40 million. A bankruptcy court had ordered the collection auctioned off to help repay more than $100 million Khan owes to KeyBank National Association and more than 120 other companies and individuals. “We are extremely pleased with the results, especially considering the complexities and challenges of executing such a high-profile auction with multiple constituents in the “Hellcrate Redeye” 6.2-liter Suopercharged HEMI V-8 engine (part#68303091AA) is rated at 807 horse- current market environment,” said RM Sotheby’s President Kenneth Ahn. power and 717lb.ft. of torque. Some of the vehicles in the auction were among only a handful built or came from a rich racing pedigree. The highest prices were fetched by a 1952 Ferrari 225 Sport Berli- netta by Vignale, which went for $2.8 million, and a 1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic by Ghia, and Customer Care for FCA – North standard Hellcrate engine, including: which sold for $2.04 million. America. “All Mopar crate engines Larger supercharger – 2.7 liters versus Three rare Jaguars — a 1955 D-Type, a 1963 E-Type Lightweight and a 1957 are quality-tested and factory-backed 2.4 liters XKSS— sold for between $1.3 and $1.9 million. And a 1955 Cooper-Jaguar T38 Mk to deliver proven performance to our Increased boost pressure: 14.5 psi ver- II — the second of only three made — sold for $1.7 million. (AP) • enthusiasts.” sus 11.6 psi Rated at 807 horsepower and 717 Higher rpm limit: 6,500 rpm versus lb.-ft. of torque on 91-octane pump 6,200 rpm LANDERS DODGE gas, the new Hellcrate Redeye crate Forged alloy steel crankshaft with PARTS ON THEIR WAY IN 3, 2, 1... CHRYSLER JEEP RAM engine is engineered with proven, fac- 90.9-millimeter stroke and revised bal- ancing 2701 Benton Road tory-backed hardware first seen in the Bossier City, LA 71111 wheelie-pulling, record-setting, limited- Induction-hardened crank bearing sur- faces; individual journal optimized Parts Direct: (318) 797-1236 edition 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Toll Free: (800) 259-4331 Demon – the world’s quickest and most main bearing clearances Fax: (318) 841-6220 powerful muscle car ever. This same 5150 alloy gun-drilled camshaft opti- www.golanders.com supercharged HEMI engine powers the mized for high rpm performance and industry’s most powerful muscle cars, decreased weight We’re dedicated to helping you decrease cycle time by delivering quality Mopar® including the new Dodge Charger SRT Forged high-strength alloy pistons; and Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Hellcat Redeye, Challenger SRT Hellcat 30-micron increased piston-to-bore Parts fast. Call us today for exceptional Redeye and the high-horsepower halo of clearance support and competitive prices. the lineup in 2021, the new 807-horse- Powder-forged connecting rods; power Challenger SRT Super Stock. upgraded shank and big end; revised “2021 marks the year that Dodge is ultra-high tensile fasteners 100 percent increase in piston-cooling distilled to a pure performance brand ©2020 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. with 700+ horsepower models avail- jet flow FIAT is a registered trademark of FCA Group Marketing S.p.A., used under license by FCA US LLC. able across the entire Dodge lineup,” Revised valve-spring design with 33 Magneti Marelli is a registered trademark of Magneti Marelli S.p.A.

45160_LR25_8th_AR.indd 1 11/17/20 2:13 PM December 2020 Delta Automotive Report 15

The Best Price on Engines in the State of Mississippi

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By AP Wire Service Chase Elliott became the fan favorite in By Jenna Fryer But 23XI is not a fifth Gibbs car — 2018 after Earnhardt Jr. retired. He’s the that’s against NASCAR rules — and AVONDALE, Ariz. — The new face of first most popular driver to win the cham- CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michael Jor- Hamlin had to prove its independence for NASCAR circled Phoenix Raceway for a pionship since his father won his only dan expects to field a winning team when the team to launch. 23XI will be a JGR celebratory lap of his finest achievement. title. 23XI Racing begins NASCAR competi- customer and operate from a shop owned Chase Elliott, NASCAR’s most popular The Elliotts joined Lee and Richard tion next season. The first move toward by Germain Racing, which is going out of driver, was now a Cup champion, too. Petty and Ned and Dale Jarrett as just victory lane came last month in a partner- business. He came upon teammate Jimmie John- the third father-son combination to win ship with Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. Mike Wheeler, who led Hamlin to five son, who banged doors with Elliott. Then a NASCAR Cup title. The Elliotts, along Jordan partnered with current NAS- wins over three seasons including the first the seven-time champion, in his final race, with Hall of Famer Tim Flock, are the CAR driver Denny Hamlin as new team of Hamlin’s three Daytona 500 victories, gave Elliott a fist bump. only three drivers from Georgia to win the owners and will field the No. 23 for Bubba will be crew chief for the No. 23. Wheeler The torch has officially been passed. title. Wallace. The formation of 23XI — pro- this past season was the competition di- This is NASCAR’s Camelot. Hendrick Motorsports extended its nounced twenty-three eleven — was com- rector for Leavine Family Racing, a team Elliott did what Dale Earnhardt Jr. could NASCAR record with a 13th champion- pleted in September but the final pieces aligned with Gibbs that is closing. not and parlayed the popularity gleamed ship. weren’t confirmed until November. “The way the rule is meant to be inter- off his Hall of Fame father into a NAS- Elliott passed Joey Logano with 42 laps Joe Gibbs Racing won last year’s Cup preted is its not a fifth JGR car, so they’re CAR championship. The son of “Awe- remaining and pulled away in a race Elliott Series championship with Kyle Busch not providing services to us for free,” some Bill from Dawsonville” Georgia controlled even as the four title contenders and Hamlin finished in the Cup standings. Hamlin said. “They are not providing solidified himself as the new face of Hen- ran 1-2-3-4 most of the afternoon. Elliott Hamlin has driven for Toyota and JGR us the cars for free and everything is in- drick Motorsports, of Chevrolet and of had charged through the field during the since 2008, so an alliance with any other dependent. We are not using any of their NASCAR on the day the greatest driver of first stage to clump the four contenders in manufacturer would have been a signifi- staff. It’s our own organization, we have this generation called it a career. the winner-take-all season finale. cant conflict of interest. our own payroll, our own vendors that we Elliott drove from the back of the field It was Elliott’s fifth win of the sea- “My main goal for 23XI Racing is to be have to pay, so this organization stands on to victory lane at Phoenix to win for Hen- son, trailing only Kevin Harvick (nine) competitive for a championship as soon as its own.” drick and Chevrolet, which had been shut and Denny Hamlin (seven). Elliott’s win possible,” said Jordan. “Our partnership That means 23XI will also have to win out of the title race since Johnson won his at Martinsville a week earlier not only with Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing gives on its own, no small feat at NASCAR’s seventh and final crown in 2016. locked him into the final four, but elimi- us the equipment, resources and expertise elite Cup level. “I just never would have thought that nated regular-season champion Harvick. to do it.” Tempering Jordan’s expectations will this year would have gone like it has,” El- “I felt like we took some really big JGR is the flagship Toyota team and be a challenge, but Hamlin insisted the liott said. “I mean, NASCAR Cup Series strides this year, and last week was a huge considered one of NASCAR’s top orga- goal is to win in their inaugural season. champion, are you kidding me? Unreal.” one,“ said Elliott, who also won the All- nizations. Gibbs has won five Cup titles Hamlin said they are also already looking He shared a long hug with Johnson, Star race at Bristol. “To come out of that since 2000 and last year celebrated a ban- at expanding to two cars for 2022. (AP) • who joined Elliott for the victory celebra- with a win and a shot to come here and ner season in which its four drivers com- tion. have a chance to race is unbelievable.” bined to win 19 of 36 races. “Oh my gosh, I mean, to share a mo- Elliott beat Brad Keselowski, who was ment like that, Jimmie’s last race, to win followed by Team Penske teammate Lo- and lock the championship,” said Elliott, gano and then Hamlin, who is now 0 for 4 “those are moments you can only dream, in title races. Hamlin is considered along Saudi Arabia to host F1 you know, and this is a dream. with Hall of Famer Mark Martin the best “Just hoping I don’t ever wake up.” driver without a Cup title. Elliott’s car failed pre-race inspection The race had just four total cautions, race in 2021 in Jiddah and the penalty cost him the pole when he three of them scheduled breaks. It made was sent to the rear. But he raced his way Elliott’s coronation look easy. By Aya Batrawy bia like to attend these events and be en- through traffic in the first stage and then The race completed NASCAR’s fren- tertained and meet people from all around took control of the championship. Elliott zied 38-race schedule that was overhauled DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Sau- the world.” led seven times for a race-high 153 laps. because of the pandemic. The season was di Arabia will host a Formula One race The kingdom did not say how long it’s Johnson finished fifth — his best result suspended five days after NASCAR raced next year, a move aimed at attracting well- contract with F1 will last, but the coun- since August — in his final ride in Hen- at Phoenix in March, a race won by Lo- heeled globe-trotting visitors and raising try has plans to build a race track in the drick’s No. 48 Chevrolet. gano, and the engines idled for 10 weeks. the kingdom’s profile internationally as a capital, Riyadh, by 2030. Saudi Aramco, “My heart is full,” said Johnson, who But facing crippling financial losses to tourist destination. the kingdom’s oil and gas giant, is already is tied with Hall of Famers Richard Petty the teams and the industry, NASCAR was The kingdom said it will host the race a global sponsor of the heavily-sponsored and Dale Earnhardt with seven titles. His one of the first sports to resume competi- in November 2021 in the Red Sea city of race. 83 victories rank sixth on the career wins tion. NASCAR went racing again May 17 Jiddah, using scenic roads along the coast. The cost of hosting the F1 could exceed list and his stretch of five consecutive and used doubleheaders, midweek races Gulf locales including Manama, Bah- $100 million, though Prince Khalid said titles from 2006-2010 is a NASCAR re- and a massive scheduling shuffle to com- rain, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emir- he also expects it will generate revenue for cord. plete the season for all three of its national ates, already host F1 races, which see A- Saudi Arabia as the country races to diver- Asked what he will remember about his series. list Hollywood stars, royals, billionaires, sify its economy away from dependence 686th race, Johnson said it will be Elliott’s For the finale, the first one at NAS- ministers and social media influencers on the export of oil, which has plunged to breakthrough. CAR’s owned and remodeled Phoenix gather for days of partying, discreet talks less than $38 a barrel amid weaker global “Chase Elliott won his first champion- Raceway, NASCAR loosened its “bub- and deal-making. demand. ship. I’m so happy for that guy,” he said. ble” and allowed families and guests for Last year, 21 cities hosted races, but that One standout feature of the Saudi race “I can recall going snowboarding with the first time since, well, the last time they has been scaled back this year because of will be the absence of champagne pop- Bill out in Colorado and Chase was maybe raced at Phoenix. The post-race celebra- the coronavirus pandemic. Some cities in ping by the winners and alcoholic bever- 8 years old on skis, super quiet, wouldn’t tion was the first time Johnson had seen 2020 have hosted multiple races. Con- ages flowing in the stands and at the after say much. Rick Hendrick, his boss of 20 years, since cerns about large crowds amid the pan- parties. Consumption of any alcohol in the “To watch him grow up and to be around March. demic have also caused most races to be Muslim kingdom is outlawed. him and to give him some advice from “If you can get through a year like this held without fans. The kingdom has experience hosting time to time has really been meaningful and you’re NASCAR, certainly it bodes “Motorsports for us is very important,” the electric Formula E series, which was for me. I think more about him winning a well,” Keselowski said. “I thought it was Prince Khalid bin Sultan al-Faisal, chair- held on the outskirts of Riyadh. Prince championship more than anything.” really amazing what the sport was able to man of the Saudi Automobile and Mo- Khalid said international visitors then Elliott, who turned 25 later last month, achieve, that we were able to get all the torcycle Federation, told The Associated have respected the cultural differences. has followed his father’s footsteps. Bill races in. To be here today and have a great Press in an interview. “We would like to (AP) • Elliott won the 1988 championship and 16 race for a championship, I think that’s host these events as long as we can be- times was voted by the fans NASCAR’s really impressive.” (AP) • cause our local people here in Saudi Ara- most popular driver. December 2020 Delta Automotive Report 17

ertown, Pennsylvania, is thrilled to hear have been turning out in droves to buy Larson still popular on dirt that. Larson merchandise. “For me I think he’s different than ev- When Larson raced dirt tracks for the eryone else,“ Hughes said. “The way he first time in the Dakotas earlier this year, tracks, despite slur drives a dirt car, it’s something different he said the line stretched further than he and it’s exciting.” could see and he and his staff were selling By Steve Reed Team owner Rick Hendrick expressed Jason Hagenbuch, a former dirt track items non-stop for six straight hours. some concern about Larson getting in- driver from Pennsylvania, said he came to It helps that Larson has been winning at CONCORD, N.C. — Donald Reed jured, but also realizes the driver wouldn’t the track to watch Larson run because [he] nearly every level all year long after his drove more than seven hours to North be happy without it. He also said it keeps also loves the way he attacks the course. suspension. Carolina last month just to watch Kyle Larson’s driving skills at a high level. “He’s very fluid,” said Hagenbuch. “Kyle made a mistake, but he held up to Larson race on dirt tracks. “This is his love,” Hendrick said. “So, “He’s a true driver, whether that is dirt, it,” McGarey said. “He has worked really So he wasn’t going to miss out on pur- as long as it doesn’t interfere with the asphalt, whatever. As for (the racial slur), hard to better himself. I’m really proud chasing a long sleeve shirt with Larson’s NASCAR team, then I’m okay. As long as everybody makes mistakes and that is un- of him for all he has done and all he’s try name on it to bring home. Standing out- we get in the championship run and he’s derstandable in today’s world. You’ve got to do on his own to better himself. Kyle side Larson’s merchandise trailer in this 100% committed to his job here; as long to give guys a second chance.” is a really great person and it’s good that community a short drive northeast of as he can do that and race the dirt, too, it’s And fans apparently have. people give him a second chance. I think Charlotte, he proudly held up the shirt that okay.” McGarey, who travels around the coun- everybody will — and he will come out on read: “When life gives you lemons, just Dalton Hughes, a race fan from Boy- try selling Larson merchandise, said fans top.” (AP) • keep winning.” “I just think he’s a really good guy,” said Reed, from Hanover, Pennsylvania. “He’s fan friendly. He always stays after the races to give everybody their auto- graphs.” Reed, like many race fans, has forgiven Larson for his use the n-word during a vir- tual race earlier this year. Larson lost his ride and was suspended by NASCAR, and he spent months working with others to realize and learn from his mistake. It paid off: Larson is returning to the Cup Series 888-273-4922888-273-4922 // 228-539-7500228-539-7500 next year after signing on to drive with NASCAR power Hendrick Motorsports. Direct:Direct: 228-539-5034228-539-5034 Team owner Rick Hen- drick expressed some Largest Inventory of Genuine GM Parts on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! concern about Lar- Servicing the entire Gulf Coast and More! son getting injured, but Our Service is second to none! also realizes the driver wouldn’t be happy with- out it. He also said it Of all the reasons to use Genuine keeps Larson’s driving GM Parts, you can add unbeatable skills at a high level. value to the list. Because Turan-Foley offers highly competitive pricing on all The line at Larson’s merchandise trailer Genuine GM Parts that make up a very at The Dirt Track at Charlotte was longer BUMP large portion of the total collision parts than all of the other drivers combined. the COMPETITION! Just across the street from Charlotte Mo- business. So call today! tor Speedway, fans came to buy Larson Save Time, Save Money! shirts, hats and coffee mugs, and watch him become the first driver since 2016 to compete in both World of Outlaws late models and sprint cars, his true love. “I think with Kyle going back to NAS- CAR next year I have a lot of people com- ing by and just wanting to get some dirt track stuff,“ said Patrick McGarey, one of the vendors. “They think they won’t see him again, but I’m sure they will.” The 28-year-old Larson has promised dirt track fans as much. As part of his agreement with Hendrick, Larson has been given permission to race dirt tracks next season when it doesn’t conflict with his NASCAR schedule. “Everybody knows that dirt racing is important to me and continuing to do that 11123 Highway 49 North, Gulfport, MS 39503 www.turanfoley.com is important to me,” Larson said. “I’m thankful that they are letting me still run dirt stuff. With the schedule being a little more open like it was this year, I’ll have plenty of opportunities to get my fun in and stay sharp and continue to become a better race car driver.” 18 Delta Automotive Report December 2020

Rearview

inches. The first issue of Motor Trend in 1949 had the Kurtis Sports Car on the cover. publisher Robert “Pete” Petersen and The Muntz Jet Frank Kurtis were friends. The Muntz Jet in 1953 had its wheel- base lengthened to 116 inches and the car was now 181 inches long, weighed 3,560 pounds and rode on 6.70 x 15 inch white wall tires. The yellow car featured here is slightly different in appearance than when new. The chrome lower molding beginning at the rear of the front tire opening on the front quarter panel to the rear of the car just a few inches from the rear bumper is missing. Wade, the owner, in restoring the car felt the car looked cleaner without this piece of chrome and chose not to have it placed on the car. The words “Muntz Jet” that were above this molding at the rear of the front tire opening were not placed back on the car either, although the owner has both these items. The car’s original color of lemon has By Jay Hirsch the Kurtis did not want the Ford Flat head, people. The top was available in either been repainted in a soft pastel yellow, this was no problem, as the Kurtis could white or black. with green vinyl interior. This is what the The Muntz Jet owes its origins to two be fitted with any motor and transmission The Muntz was not sold in dealerships car had when new, although for “an extra men: Frank Kurtis and Earl Muntz, both of of the customer’s choice. With a price of but was a factory-direct car, which did not charge” an imitation snakeskin design was whom had a vision of a “personal luxury about $3,800 in 1949 dollars, potential help in the overall sales of the car. The fact available. This Muntz has the 1953 Cadil- car” long before the 1958 four-seat Thun- owners were not lining up outside Mr. Kur- that the car was not made by any of the lac OHV V8 mated to the GM Hydramatic. derbird or the 1963 Buick Riviera. tis’s office. To put this in some perspective, Big Three (Chrysler, Ford and GM) or any The Muntz Jet had semi-unitary con- The Muntz Jet began life as the Kurtis in 1950 a Ford convertible could be had for of the smaller independent American car struction, bucket seats with console stor- Sports Car in 1949. It was a two-seat sports $1,900, and the new Jaguar XK 120 was companies did not help in trying to sell and age, a padded dash, an available liquor cab- car designed by Frank Kurtis and Sam $2,500. market the Muntz. inet, an ice chest in the rear and seat belts, Hanks and built by Frank Kurtis. Kurtis When the Kurtis became the Muntz Jet The Muntz had an aluminum body and long before seat belts became standard on was known for building race cars — Midg- the standard engine was to be the new was made at various times in Glendale, American cars in 1966. ets, Sprint Cars, and Indy cars. Kurtis built OHV 331 cid V-8 Cadillac engine, or the Calif., and Evanston, Ill., from 1949 to Muntz in the 1970s and 1980s produced five cars that won the Indianapolis 500. new Oldsmobile OHV 303 V-8. Cadillac 1954. In 1953 the price was $5,500 when a wide-screen televisions and was an early In 1948 Frank had a grand idea to build was not too excited about selling its new Cadillac convertible was $4,000 and a Lin- producer and promoter of cell phones. He a sports car for the public. The undertak- OHV V-8, so when Lincoln came out in coln convertible was $3,700. Supposedly it invented the Muntz Stereo PAK four-track ing turned out to be a little too much — as 1952 with their new OHV V-8 it was more cost $6,500 to make the Muntz. This did tape cartridge, which came before the Ste- in too costly — for Frank. Only 15 Kurtis widely used in the Muntz Jets. The Muntz not deter Muntz, as he saw the Jet as not reo 8-track. Earl Muntz died in 1987 at the Sports Cars were built before production came with the GM Hydramatic. A Borg only a good car for people but also as a age of 73. was stopped. The two-seater Kurtis Sports Warner three-speed manual was avail- marketing tool for his business empire of There are various numbers given for the Car (KSC) had a wheelbase of 100 inches able as an option. Most Muntz Jets were used-car dealerships and his burgeoning total number of Muntz Jets produced from and was 169 inches long. ordered with the GM Hydramatic. electronics/television stores. 1951 to 1954. At the high end is 430, which Earl “Madman” Muntz owned several As for performance the Muntz had a top The Muntz was only 54 inches tall and is what Earl “Madman” Muntz had said. used-car dealerships in Southern Cali- speed or 118 mph with 0-60 mph of nine had a low center of gravity. This com- Some say he inflated the number to show fornia, as well as a self-taught engineer seconds. In 1953 this was quite a feat! bination resulted in the car being very the car was fairly successful. Recently, and somewhat of an electronics genius. The Muntz was not a convertible. There maneuverable at high speeds and corner- newly-found records suggest only 198 cars He made televisions when the television was no soft-top that folded down. The only ing, which many American cars at the time were actually made and sold. Whichever industry was in its infancy. It is said he top on the car was one made of Vitalite. were not known for. Most cars of the early number is used, the Muntz Jet and Kurtis coined the abbreviation “TV” for the word This was a stiff vinyl-like material that was 1950s were 60 inches high or taller. Not Sports Car was a car “ahead of its time” by television. fitted over a lightweight aluminum frame. until the late 1950s and early 1960s would two American visionaries. • Muntz wanted the Kurtis, not so much The top could easily be lifted off by two American cars have heights of 54 to 58 to make and sell a new sports car for the emerging post WWII car market, but to promote his used-car dealerships and his electronic store that sold T Vs. Muntz used flamboyant, comical ads on radio, bill- boards, and television to promote his used- car dealerships and portrayed himself as “a little mad for almost giving the cars away.” When Muntz bought the design rights to the Kurtis Sports Car for $200,000 he stretched the wheelbase to 113 and the length of the car increased from 169 inches to 178 inches, so there could be a back seat, enabling the car to hold four passengers. It was re-named the Muntz Jet. Race car driver Sam Hanks helped Muntz in this redesigning of the car from a two-seater to a more practical four-seater. Muntz said he used the word “Jet” as the new Jet aircrafts were just emerging and the word “Jet” symbolized speed. When Frank Kurtis built his Kurtis Sports Car the engine was to be a Ford Flat Head V-8 that was modified for installing in the Kurtis. If the prospective buyer of December 2020 Delta Automotive Report 19

new electric vehicles. No new jobs will be Ford’s optimism about electric vehicles Ford adding 350 jobs at 2 plants added but the investment will help keep may be a little ahead of where U.S. buyers 225 positions. are, but analysts expect EV sales to grow In addition to the Kansas City and as more new models go on sale. Last year, to make electric vehicles Michigan plants, Ford will build electric automakers sold just over 236,000 fully vehicles and components in Oakville, On- electric vehicles, up 36% from 2018. But By Tom Krisher carbon footprints. The company also ex- tario, and Cuautitlan, Mexico, the compa- that amounted to only 1.4% of all new pects high demand for the electric pickup. ny said. But more factories will be added vehicles sold in the country. (AP) • DETROIT — Ford plans to add 350 Galhotra says production forecasts will be as future vehicles are announced, it said. jobs at two factories to meet expected released later. “This is just the first chapter with more demand for electric vehicles that haven’t Demand for the electric pickup was new electric vehicles and more investment gone on sale yet. higher than expected after it was an- to come,” Galhotra said. The automaker says it will add 150 nounced in September, Galhotra said in workers at its Kansas City Assembly Plant an interview. “We immediately started in Claycomo, Missouri, to build the new working on increasing the capacity of the Harahan, LA E-Transit full-size plant,” he said. “We van that will go on need more people PD: (504) 734-3590 sale late next year. to assemble the ve- Fax: (504) 818-0997 Another 200 hicles.” www.crescenttrucks.com workers will be Ford’s optimism Ford revealed hired at Ford’s details of the E- Rouge Electric about electric vehi- Transit electric van Vehicle Center in on Thursday, No- Dearborn, Michi- cles may be a little vember 12. Without a doubt, it can be a bit daunting to make sure you gan, which will The company build an all-electric ahead of where U.S. says these are early receive the exact right Ford & Power Stroke part for your Ford F-150 pickup start- buyers are, but ana- investments in the Superduty, Transit Vanwagon, F-150, F-650-750 or Chassis Cab. ing in mid-2022. first phase of its But that’s exactly why our Crescent Truck Sales Inc. parts ex- In addition, Ford lysts expect EV sales plan to build more perts are here. Across the Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans and says it will invest electric vehicles. $100 million in the to grow as more new Ford has said it will Marrero regions, drivers know they can trust our experienced Kansas City plant invest $11.5 billion parts team to locate the right component for their vehicle. for an assembly line models go on sale. in electric vehicle This means more piece of mind during repairs for your valued that will build the factories through electric vans. 2022. customers. Ford President of Ford also an- the Americas Ku- nounced that it will mar Galhotra says the company expects spend about $150 million at a transmis- strong demand for the vans as many pack- sion plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, (504) 734-3590 Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Saturday 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Sunday Closed age delivery companies try to reduce their to make electric motors and transaxles for

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