DIXIE December 2020 Dixie Automotive Report 1

R VOL 29, NO 9 www.AutomotiveReport.net December 2020 Monthly News for the Local Automotive Industry in Central and Southern Alabama, Georgia and North Florida, Monthly Newsincluding for Body the Shops, Local Mechanical ShopsAutomotive and Dealers. Industry 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

Auto Doctor of Franklin - 8 The Muntz Jet - 14

DIX1220

Presorted Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Franklin, TN Permit No. 357 Dated Material 2 Dixie Automotive Report December 2020

Mopar: New 807-hp Hellcrate Redeye powerful muscle car ever. This same cle by tapping into the Dodge//SRT supercharged HEMI engine powers the power that wasn’t available then, but is industry’s most powerful muscle cars, now.” Supercharged HEMI® Crate Engine including the new Dodge Charger SRT If you know, you know. If you don’t, Hellcat Redeye, Challenger SRT Hellcat the new Hellcrate Redeye power plant Redeye and the high-horsepower halo of features significant upgrades versus the By FCA Press Release Bosanac, Head of Mopar Service, Parts the lineup in 2021, the new 807-horse- standard Hellcrate engine, including: and Customer Care for FCA – North power Challenger SRT Super Stock. Larger supercharger – 2.7 liters versus November 6, 2020 , Auburn Hills, America. “All Mopar crate engines “2021 marks the year that Dodge is 2.4 liters Mich. - Mopar is unleashing the most are quality-tested and factory-backed distilled to a pure performance brand Increased boost pressure: 14.5 psi ver- powerful production muscle-car engine to deliver proven performance to our with 700+ horsepower models avail- sus 11.6 psi ever available to builders and enthusi- enthusiasts.” able across the entire Dodge lineup,” Higher rpm limit: 6,500 rpm versus asts with the launch of its newest crate Rated at 807 horsepower and 717 said Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa 6,200 rpm engine – the 807-horsepower Hellcrate lb.-ft. of torque on 91-octane pump Romeo and Head of Passenger Cars – Forged alloy steel crankshaft with Redeye 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI® gas, the new Hellcrate Redeye crate Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA 90.9-millimeter stroke and revised bal- V-8 engine. engine is engineered with proven, fac- – North America. “The new 807-horse- ancing “With the addition of this new super- tory-backed hardware first seen in the power Hellcrate Redeye crate engine Induction-hardened crank bearing sur- charged HEMI, Mopar now offers five wheelie-pulling, record-setting, limited- gives any pre-1976 vehicle owner faces; individual journal optimized HEMI crate engines with a range of edition 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT another opportunity to become a mem- main bearing clearances 375 to 1,000 horsepower,” said Mark Demon – the world’s quickest and most ber of the Dodge Brotherhood of Mus- 5150 alloy gun-drilled camshaft opti- mized for high rpm performance and decreased weight Forged high-strength alloy pistons; 30-micron increased piston-to-bore clearance Powder-forged connecting rods; upgraded shank and big end; revised ultra-high tensile fasteners 100 percent increase in piston-cooling jet flow Remanufactured Revised valve-spring design with 33 percent increase in oiling for valve springs and rocker tips for improved ALLAN VIGIL FORD LINCOLN lubrication and cooling Diesel Engines Morrow, GA Single-groove collets on valve stems for improved stability. Oil pan and 800-222-3597 opt #5 • 770-960-1208 windage tray optimized for high accel- [email protected] eration – tested up to 1.8 g. Each engine Choose The Remanufactured is dyno-tested for 42 minutes before Diesel Engine That Can’t Be Beat: being shipped. Gerald Jones Ford This complete engine assembly - OEM Perfect Fit Every Time includes a supercharger with throttle Augusta, GA body, fuel injectors, coil packs, water - No-Risk Core Return pump, front sump oil pan and flexplate. 706-738-8000 Builders who prefer a manual trans- - Bore Spray Technology mission can purchase the following: [email protected] Flywheel (part # 05038113AD) - Same or Next Day Delivery Flywheel to crankshaft bolts (part # 06504398) - Competitive Prices LONG-LEWIS FORD OF HOOVER Clutch and pressure plate assembly Hoover, AL (part # 05038769AB) - Nationwide Warranty Coverage* Clutch to flywheel bolts (par t# * See Service Advisor for warranty details. 877-234-5664 • 205-989-3000 06508880AA) [email protected] Also available is a Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) Kit (part # 77072492), which includes an alterna- tor, power-steering pump, belts, pulleys RIVERSIDE FORD LINCOLN and mounting hardware. Macon, GA The Hellcrate Redeye 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V-8 engine (part 800-637-4807 • 478-464-2961 # 68303091AA) is available to order [email protected] today for a U.S. Manufacturer’s Sug- gested Retail Price (MSRP) of $21,807. The new Hellcrate Redeye 6.2-liter Supercharged Crate HEMI V-8 engine TALLAHASSEE FORD LINCOLN joins four proven power plants in the Tallahassee, FL Mopar Crate HEMI engine family: “Hellephant” 426 Supercharged Crate 800-342-1128 • 850-877-6190 HEMI (part # P5160194AC) 1,000 [email protected] horsepower and 950 lb.-ft. of torque $29,995 MSRP “Hellcrate” 6.2-liter Supercharged Crate HEMI (part # 68303089AB) 707 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque $20,215 MSRP Mopar HEMI crate engines are cov- ered against defects in materials and workmanship for a 90-day period (parts exchange only). For more information, customers should visit www.cratehemi. com. • December 2020 Dixie Automotive Report 3

RECALLS 5 Starting in January 2021 SHOP PROFILE - Auto Doctor of Franklin 8 the Automotive Report RACING NOTES 12 will be exclusively online! REARVIEW - The Muntz Jet 14 December 2020 will mark the end of an era. For over 32 years we’ve been printing and mailing

DIXIE the Automotive Reports. We are moving into the digital age.

R Monthly News for the Local Automotive Industry For the last couple of years we have VOL. 29, NO 9 • December 2020

Editor up-loaded the Automotive Report Barry Forkum [email protected] online and we have established Publisher / Advertising Director a large following. So much so that it Garnett Forkum Art Director has 10 times the readership of our Allen Forkum print publications combined. Copy Editor Tom Williams Go to: Contributors John Yoswick, Steve McLinden www.automotivereport.net Jay Hirsch, David Bry, Robert Bravender, Tom Williams Advertising Sales View the current issue and past articles, you can also Tom Williams (615) 757-3042 • Fax: (888) 607-0921 sign up for a free subscription notification that will [email protected] email you each time we post the new issue. Go today. Marj Pierce Phone: (901) 466-0903 Cell: (901) 497-0926 • Fax: (901) 466-9415 Email: [email protected]

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Crash Network — 6 Long Lewis Ford — 9 We appreciate your continued support. Check us out Ford Powertrain — 2 Palmer’s Hyundai — 16 on FaceBook and InstaGram. Gerald Jones Ford — 11 Palmer’s Toyota — 16 Autographic’s Automotive Report Lee Motor Co. — 15 Riverside Ford — 7 1121 Airport Center Drive, Suit 101 Nashville Tn. 37214 4 Dixie Automotive Report December 2020

tion. That group, formed earlier this year, is the state’s first Republican insurance com- The election, telematics funded by insurers and the non-OEM parts missioner. industry, and has a stated goal of “preserv- Causey issued a bulletin in 2019 remind- ing and protecting consumer choice, trans- ing insurers they are prohibited from steer- access, and insurance regs parency and affordability in the post-colli- ing a consumer to a particular shop or sion repair market.” “away from a particular repair shop either.” By John Yoswick authorized users (additional users each are During the post-election webinar, Lowe “The Department understands that there $2 more). If not using FCA’s scan tool, a indicated that crash parts could be part of may be repair shops where interactions Though the presidential and congres- shop must supply the serial number of the the federal legislation. The bill, he said, are more involved than with other shops; sional election battles dominated the dis- scan tool (or tools) they will be using from should address, “not just data access but a however, a consumer has the statutory cussion in November, there were items on among those tools authorized by FCA. lot of the other competitive issues that are right to use any shop of his or her choice the ballot in a number of states potentially “FCA has limited the registration to only going on in our industry…because of work for repairs,” the bulletin stated. “Thus, by impacting collision repairers. those tools that have a diagnostic license that’s being done by the manufacturers statute, a company or agent cannot discour- Despite millions of dollars from auto- with FCA,” Rozint said. “So if you have [such as] requirements for OEM collision age in any way, (such as suggesting that the makers spent this year to oppose an a tool and it’s not on the list, it’s probably parts in different states.” repairs will be costlier, less timely, or of updated “Right to Repair” ballot initiative because the scan tool manufacturer hasn’t In other election night news relative to poor quality), a consumer from choosing a in Massachusetts, for example, voters there registered yet, or they don’t license diag- the industry, incumbent Mike Causey, a specific shop for repairs.” overwhelmingly supported the measure, nostic data from FCA.” retired life insurance executive and a for- Causey was in the news earlier this year with three in four voters giving it a thumbs- Once a shop’s tools and technicians have mer lobbyist for a state autobody associa- when he helped the FBI and prosecutors up. The law will require that all model year been authorized through AutoAuth, no tion, won reelection as North Carolina’s convict a billionaire owner of an insurance 2022 or newer vehicles have a standard- other additional steps are required when commissioner of insurance by beating company who tried to use the promise of ized open data platform that gives vehicle scanning or reprogramming FCA vehicles, Wayne Goodwin in a rematch of their campaign contributions to bribe Causey, owners and independent repairers access to Rozint said. 2016 race. With 2,659 of the state’s 2,662 whose office was investigating the insur- telematics data. Under the Massachusetts law approved precincts reporting, Causey held a lead of ance company. Backers of the legislation included the by voters in November, automakers may 51.8 percent to 48.2 percent for Goodwin, In races for insurance commissioner in Auto Care Association; parts sellers like use such a gateway, but any such processes a margin far more significant than the nar- other states, incumbents Democrat Trini- NAPA, Auto Zone and LKQ Corp.; and [must] be standardized across automakers row 35,000-vote difference in their previ- dad Navarro in Delaware and Democrat independent shops. They say the law won’t so that independent shops, for example, ous contest. Mike Kreidler in Washington each won prevent automakers from using “secure wouldn’t have to use a variety of gateways Goodwin is the current chairman of reelection; Montana elected Republican gateway” systems — like Fiat Chrysler of to access different makes of vehicles. the North Carolina Democratic Party and Troy Downing, and North Dakota elected the previous insurance commissioner. He Republican Jon Godfread (who ran unop- assumed office in 2009 and was defeated in posed). • the 2016 election by Causey, who became

Despite millions of dollars from automakers spent this year to oppose Virus shutdowns in the rear- an updated “Right to Repair” ballot view for US automakers initiative in Massachusetts, for exam- By AP Wire Service of the pandemic. ple, voters there overwhelmingly sup- Auto sales across the globe have ported the measure, with three in four DETROIT — General Motors is post- bounced back strongly, particularly in ing huge third quarter numbers, pulling in China, which has held additional corona- voters giving it a thumbs-up. $4 billion in profit over three months, after virus outbreaks in check. GM’s sales in a short money-losing stretch as the spread China jumped 12% in the third quarter, of COVID-19 shut down all U.S. auto fac- with sales of its Buick and Cadillac brands tories. both rising more than 25%. Automakers have sprinted out of their In the U.S., GM’s most profitable mar- pandemic lockdowns, and GM’s big quar- ket where the pandemic has gone largely America’s use of AutoAuth — to require In an online panel discussion during the ter follows similar performances at cross- unchecked, sales fell 9.9% in the third user registration and use of authorized scan Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo town rivals Ford and Fiat. All three blew quarter compared with a year ago. tools by those seeking to access telematics the day after the election, the Auto Care past Wall Street’s sales and profit projec- That’s still a dramatic improvement data. Association and backers of the legislation tions. over the 34% sales drop in the second Those gateway systems — in place or said the next step is to push for similar leg- Fiat Chrysler reported a $1.4 billion quarter. And sales improved sequentially planned by a number of automakers, are islation on a national level. quarterly profit. Ford earned $2.39 billion, each month in the most recent quarter, the “essentially a firewall, similar to one you’d “We all know the big prize is getting this triple Wall Street projections. automaker said, an encouraging trend. put on your home or office computer net- done on a national basis,” the association’s While shares are down for the year, the GM’s profit was boosted by higher- work in order to control the access to that Aaron Lowe said. stock of all three automakers has surged in priced pickup trucks and large SUVs, network from outside,” Jack Rozint of That’s something the coalition was the past three months. Shares of General which have seen strong sales in the U.S. CCC Information Services said at the Col- previously unsuccessful at making hap- Motors Co. jumped 6%. through the pandemic. It was the best lision Industry Conference (CIC) earlier pen despite a nearly decade-long effort, GM’s adjusted earnings were $2.83 per quarter on record for GM’s Chevrolet this year. “If you are an authorized user, which led instead to the first Massachusetts share, easily outpacing Wall Street’s per- Blazer. Sales of the Cadillac XT6 spiked the secure gateway will not restrict your “Right to Repair” ballot measure, passed share projections of $1.43, according to a 45% in the U.S. over last year. Large pick- access to be able to do scans or reprogram by voters in 2012. That bill in turn led the survey by FactSet. Revenue of $35.5 bil- ups also sold well. modules, etc. If you aren’t an authorized automakers to sign a national memoran- lion was about in line. GM is also pumping $2 billion into its user, or you’re trying to perform a function dum of understanding with the aftermarket The company swung back strongly Spring Hill, Tennessee manufacturing that’s not permitted, you get blocked.” proponents to agree to comply with the from an $806 million loss in the second plant to push its transition to produce elec- • The need for such gateways was clear Massachusetts law nationwide. quarter when it was restarting factories tric vehicles. (AP) after the much-publicized hack in 2015 of Now those proponents say they intend to shuttered for safety during the early stages a Jeep Grand Cherokee that showed such take another run at a national bill next year. vehicles could be remotely accessed and But the collision repair industry may want controlled. to watch whether any such bill expands To scan some 2018 and 2019 FCA vehi- beyond data access into other areas of visit our web-site cles — and nearly all 2020 models, Rozint interest by coalition members, such as said — shops must be registered with LKQ Corporation (which had a representa- www.AutomotiveReport.net AutoAuth. There is a one-time registration tive on a recent panel discussion) and the fee of $50 per repair facility for up to six Consumer Access to Repair (CAR) Coali- December 2020 Dixie 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 The problem caused the largest series and 27th worldwide of auto recalls in MERCEDES-BENZ USA is recalling 12,799 2020 vehicles equipped with the caused by the faulty U.S. history, with at optional illuminated Mercedes star emblem in the front grill. The ground connec- inflators. “We urge all owners least 63 million in- tion for this emblem may be improperly attached and affect other equipment, such The National flators recalled. The as headlights, wipers, and power steering. Dealers will relocate the ground connec- Highway Traffic to take the recall no- U.S. government tion. Safety Administra- says that as of Sep- Mercedes is recalling 2,535 2020 GL vehicles to inspect and repair as needed tion wouldn’t re- tices seriously and to tember, more than the wiring to the power steering control unit. The wires, which could have been lease further details have the recalls com- 11.1 million had not damaged during the assembly process, can cause temporary loss of power steering on the death, citing been fixed. About assist. privacy concerns. pleted at any autho- 100 million inflators But the agency said rized BMW Center, as have been recalled TOYOTA is recalling 3,121 2020 Highlander vehicles. The seat trim cover on one the incident under- worldwide. or both front seats could prevent the side airbag from deploying properly. Dealers scores the impor- soon as possible,” the Most of the will inspect the front seats and replace the trim covers as needed. • tance of getting re- deaths have been in call repairs done. statement said. the U.S., but they In a statement, also have occurred BMW said the man in Australia and GM recalling nearly 69K Bolt electric cars due in the crash was driving a 2004 3 Series Malaysia. BMW. The company said it has been Drivers can check to see if their vehi- working to identify and contact owners cles have been recalled by going to https:// to fire risk of older BMWs with recalled Takata air www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and keying in their DETROIT — General Motors is recalling nearly 69,000 Chevrolet Bolt electric cars bags. 17-digit vehicle identification number. worldwide because the batteries have caught fire in five of them. “We urge all owners to take the recall The recalls drove Japan’s Takata into The company says it doesn’t know yet what’s causing the fires, but engineers are notices seriously and to have the recalls bankruptcy and brought criminal charges working around the clock to figure it out. Two people have suffered smoke inhalation completed at any authorized BMW Cen- against the company. Eventually it was due to the blazes. ter, as soon as possible,” the statement purchased by a Chinese-owned auto parts Bolt Executive Chief Engineer Jesse Ortega says dealers will install software that said. supplier. (AP) • limits charging to 90% of the battery’s capacity until a permanent fix is developed. The recall covers Bolts from the 2017 through 2019 model years, including nearly 51,000 in the U.S. Ford recalls over 375K Explorers to fix It comes one month after the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that it is investigating the Bolt fires. The agency said in documents filed in suspension problem October that the fires began under the rear seat while the cars were parked and unat- DETROIT — Ford is recalling more than 375,000 Explorer SUVs in the U.S. and tended. Canada to fix a suspension problem that has caused 13 crashes. Ortega says engineers have traced the fires to Bolts with battery cells made at an LG The recall covers SUVs from the 2013 through 2017 model years built at Ford’s Chi- Chem factory in Ochang, South Korea, from May of 2016 to May of 2019. The fires cago Assembly Plant from Sept. 4, 2012 to Jan. 25, 2017. They were sold or registered have happened when the batteries were close to being fully charged, he said. in 22 states and six Canadian provinces where salt is used to clear roads during the “We have no confirmed incidents from vehicles with cells not produced at this factory winter. or a lower state of charge,” Ortega said. The automaker said that in places where corrosion is common, the rear toe links can Some 2019 Bolts and all 2020 and 2021 versions have cells made at an LG Chem fracture, reducing steering control. A toe link provides more weight on the rear tires so plant in Holland, Michigan, and are not included in the recall, he said. they stay firmly on the ground. GM hopes to find the cause and have a permanent repair as quickly as possible after Six people have been hurt in the crashes, the company said. the first of the year, Ortega said. Engineers are looking at several potential causes and Dealers will inspect the suspension and replace parts if necessary. Customers will be don’t have a prevailing theory, he told reporters on a conference call. (AP) • notified starting the week of Nov. 30. States included in the recall are Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Government furthers investigation into Tesla Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin plus Washington, D.C. Also included are the camera failures Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, WASHINGTON — U.S. safety regulators are continuing their investigation into Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec. (AP) • complaints that Tesla’s giant touch screens can fail and cause the cars to lose the rear camera display and other functions. GM recalls 217K vehicles to fix leak The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s report says about 159,000 cars could be affected by the problem. The agency said an engineering analysis has DETROIT — General Motors is recalling more than 217,000 cars and SUVs in the been opened to assess the scope and safety-related consequences of the apparent U.S. and Canada because transmission oil can leak, causing them to stop moving or pos- defect, which could determine whether or not the models need to be recalled. sibly catch fire. Failure of the touchscreen can result in loss of the rear camera image display when The recall covers certain versions of the 2018 through 2020 Chevrolet Equinox and reverse gear is selected, resulting in reduced rear visibility when backing up, the agen- Traverse as well as the GMC Terrain. Also included are the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu and cy’s report said. The touchscreen failure can also affect defogging ability and audible 2018 and 2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, as well as the 2019 through 2020 chimes relating to driver assistance technology, autopilot and turn signals. Buick Encore and Enclave, the Cadillac XT4, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Blazer. The A preliminary investigation was opened in June covering 63,000 Model S vehicles 2020 Cadillac XT6 also is covered. with screens controlled by flash memory devices with finite lifespans based on the GM says in government documents posted last month that two bolts may be missing number of program and erase cycles. The screens can fail prematurely because the from the stop-start mechanism, allowing the fluid to leak. The company says it has no memory can wear out. reports of crashes, fires or injuries. The same screens and processors were used in 2012 through 2018 Model S and 2016 Dealers will inspect the mechanism and replace bolts if they’re missing. The recall is to 2018 Model X vehicles built through early 2018, the agency said. (AP) • expected to start Dec. 14. (AP) • 6 Dixie 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 Dixie Automotive Report 7

great success leveraging 3D printing for parts made in-house by GM, including 3D-Printed parts supported over the Chevrolet Indy V6. Components in a rear damper shield made with carbon- the Chevrolet INDYCAR V6 exhaust sys- fiber reinforced plastic, which protects tem are 3D printed, which helps eliminate the rear dampers from the rocky desert 80,000 miles of Chevrolet racing failure points in traditional manufactured terrain. components while increasing design free- Since October 2019, the Silverado race By Chevrolet Press Release tion system, power steering pump bracket dom and reducing cost. Chevrolet INDY- truck has accumulated 900 miles of com- and headlight assemblies. Fifty of these CAR engines have run over 60,000 miles petition in six races. DETROIT — 3D printing has taken on parts were designed or printed in-house since the season kicked off at Genesys Chevrolet also switched to the Camaro a powerful role in Chevrolet Motorsports, by GM. 300 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort ZL1 1LE for the 2020 NASCAR Cup both on- and off-road. This season, the Since then, the C8.Rs have accumu- Worth on June 6, 2020. Series, replacing the Camaro ZL1. Chev- Corvette C8.R, INDYCAR, NASCAR lated nearly 8,000 miles of competition The Silverado off-road race truck rolet engineers optimized the aerody- Camaro and Silverado race teams have in seven races. Corvette Racing has had a debuted at the Best in the Desert Method namic performance through extensive, accumulated more than full-scale wind-tunnel test- 80,000 miles of competi- ing. Over 500 3D-printed tion in vehicles built with prototype parts were used 3D-printed parts. in testing to develop the “Chevrolet has a long his- new ZL1 1LE body. Addi- tory of technology transfer tionally, the Camaro ZL1 between our motorsports 1LE is equipped with a and production teams, and 3D-printed gear cooling this is a perfect example duct, which has accumu- of our approach,” said Jim lated nearly 18,500 miles Campbell, GM U.S. vice of competition in 27 races. president of Performance “By utilizing and Motorsports. “GM’s 3D-printed parts, Chevro- 3D-printing capability let Motorsports is demon- speeds up our learning strating the many benefits cycles and, in turn, these of additive manufacturing, racetrack experiences help including manufacturing our additive manufacturing efficiencies, mass reduc- team move one step closer tion, parts consolidation, to using 3D-printed parts in creativity and cost sav- production vehicles.” ings,” said Audley Brown, Two all-new mid-engine Corvette race Race Wheels Laughlin Desert Classic in GM director, Materials Engineering, cars – both C8.Rs – debuted at Rolex 24 at dominant 2020 season, taking home five October 2019. The Silverado competes Additive Design and Manufacturing. Daytona on Jan. 25, 2020, each equipped first-place wins and three 1-2 finishes, in the 1200 Stock class, which limits “3D-printed parts can offer equal strength with 75 3D-printed parts, including the oil including the punishing 2020 Cadillac changes to suspension, underbody and and durability to cast or milled compo- tank, tank inlet and cap, air conditioning Grand Prix of Sebring. installation of race-safety equipment. As nents, which is critical for product devel- driver cooling box and integrated hydra- The INDYCAR program has also had such, the Silverado has three 3D-printed opment and design.” •

• Over 200 years combined parts experience CERTIFIED PARTS SPECIALISTS • Over $3 million in Ford, Lincoln and Power Stroke parts Roger Rowland 478-464-2937 • Ranked as one of the Top 25 Ford parts wholesalers in the USA [email protected] Member of Ford’s Top 50 Premier Club Ken Mills 478-464-2955 • [email protected] • No Hassle Parts Return Guarantee Wesley Burch eld 478-464-2961 wburch [email protected] Darian Thompson 478-464-2958 [email protected] Andy Stokes 478-464-2946 [email protected] FORDPARTS.COM Will Mizell 478-464-2962 [email protected] Ted Siepman 478-464-2914 [email protected] SE REGIONAL SALES CONSULTANTS Eutis Beecher “Beech” 478-957-0573 [email protected] Fred Walker 478-957-1124 [email protected] Tommy Scarborough 478-973-8954 tscarbourough@riversidefordnet Hank Millis 478-319-6071 [email protected] David Stapp 478-957-0579 [email protected] Brittany Barnes Parts Accounting 478-464-2963 [email protected] Russell Brown Parts Manager 478-464-2936 [email protected]

FAX ORDERS TOLL FREE We proudly serve: Georgia, Alabama, North and South Carolina, 1-877-750-0590 1-800-637-4807 Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle 2089 Riverside Drive• Macon, GA 31204 8 Dixie Automotive Report December 2020 Shop Profile

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 10 December 2020 Dixie Automotive Report 9

Ford adding 350 jobs at 2 plants Walmart teams with GM to test autonomous deliveries to make electric vehicles DETROIT — Walmart is teaming up with the General Motors’ autonomous vehicle unit to test driverless delivery in Arizona. By Tom Krisher ny said. But more factories will be added The companies say battery powered Chevrolet Volt vehicles will begin deliveries in as future vehicles are announced, it said. Scottsdale early next year. At first they’ll have human backup drivers who will monitor DETROIT — Ford plans to add 350 “This is just the first chapter with more the cars and help to deliver packages to doors. But Ray Wert, spokesman at GM’s Cruise jobs at two factories to meet expected new electric vehicles and more investment autonomous vehicle unit, says they’ll eventually move to fully autonomous deliveries. demand for electric vehicles that haven’t to come,” Galhotra said. Walmart says customers will be able to place an order and it will be delivered contact- gone on sale yet. Ford’s optimism about electric vehicles free by a Cruise vehicle. The retail giant says it’s one of several autonomous vehicle The automaker says it will add 150 may be a little ahead of where U.S. buyers pilot projects designed to chart a new roadmap for retail sales. workers at its Kansas City Assembly Plant are, but analysts expect EV sales to grow The company says it started an express delivery service in April and now has it in over in Claycomo, Missouri, to build the new as more new models go on sale. Last year, 2,800 stores that reach more than 65% of U.S. households. Wert says the testing with E-Transit full-size van that will go on sale automakers sold just over 236,000 fully Walmart will start small and gradually ramp up to more vehicles. He did not know how late next year. electric vehicles, up 36% from 2018. But many Bolts would be used at the beginning. Cruise said in October that it would pull the Another 200 workers will be hired at that amounted to only 1.4% of all new human backup drivers from its autonomous vehicles in San Francisco by the end of the Ford’s Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in vehicles sold in the country. (AP) • year. It wasn’t clear when Cruise will offer rides in driverless vehicles. (AP) • Dearborn, Michigan, which will build an all-electric F-150 pickup starting in mid- 2022. In addition, Ford says it will invest $100 million in the Kansas City plant for an as- sembly line that will build the electric vans. Ford President of the Americas Kumar Galhotra says the company expects strong - demand for the vans as many package LONG LEWIS FORD delivery companies try to reduce their carbon footprints. The company also ex- of Hoover Alabama’s Oldest Ford Dealer Ford’s optimism Alabama’s most qualifi ed Ford Power Stroke Parts about electric vehi- cles may be a little Department with over 160 years of combined Ford ahead of where U.S. Parts Experience buyers are, but ana- lysts expect EV sales • 5 Wholesale Reps • 6 Local Delivery Trucks to grow as more new • 3 Out-of-Town Delivery Trucks models go on sale. • 19,000 Square Feet of Genuine Ford, Motorcraft and Power Stroke Parts pects high demand for the electric pickup. Galhotra says production forecasts will be released later. Demand for the electric pickup was higher than expected after it was an- nounced in September, Galhotra said in an interview. “We immediately started working on increasing the capacity of the plant,” he said. “We need more people to assemble the vehicles.” Ford revealed details of the E-Transit electric van on Thursday, November 12. The company says these are early in- vestments in the first phase of its plan to build more electric vehicles. Ford has said it will invest $11.5 billion in electric ve- hicle factories through 2022. Ford also announced that it will spend about $150 million at a transmission plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, to make electric motors and transaxles for new electric vehicles. No new jobs will be add- ed but the investment will help keep 225 positions. In addition to the Kansas City and Michigan plants, Ford will build electric Hoover, Ala. • 877-234-5664 • 205-989-3000 • [email protected] vehicles and components in Oakville, On- tario, and Cuautitlan, Mexico, the compa- Monday thru Friday 7 am to 5:30 pm; Saturday 8 am to 2 pm 10 Dixie Automotive Report December 2020

... Auto Doctor ... does not add up

Continued from page 8 online,” Odell reported. “And then I’ve got Continued from page 1 the same devaluation? How do they avoid emissions test in ’96 and newer cars, you a marketing team, Mud Advertising, which ject. She and her husband, Bill, ran a very discounting? can plug into the diagnostic port under the does some stuff based off of the website, to successful full-service auto repair shop for LC: Think about physicians in white hood. Before that you’re limited in what help drive sales and direct targeted market- more than 30 years in Sacramento, Calif., coats, stethoscopes and well-trained nurs- you can figure out through diagnostics.” ing. If somebody goes to your website and before retiring in 2016. ing staff in latex gloves; attorneys and SnapOn is their primary diagnostic tool, does a search for some type of repair, they Dave Bry: How does an owner’s per- impressive law libraries, leather chairs and which they pay a monthly fee for updates. target those people.” ception of his or her shop’s value shape legal assistants who remember your name And while the COVID- the shop’s pricing policies? and provide good coffee while you wait; 19 outbreak jostled Lynne Cardwell: Auto repair pricing and dentists with high-tech, expensive their numbers for 2020, practices have been examined, re-exam- equipment and skilled hygienists, crisp Odell reported that most ined and preached about for decades. Over clean offices that invariably smell nice. of the year had been the 30 years we operated our repair shop, There’s no need to point out the obvious pretty good — and in I worked with three separate consulting comparisons and counterparts to our own one month, surprisingly firms to learn more about customer acqui- industry. They’re all there in some form good. sition and retention, pricing strategies, that is appropriate to what we do, or they “June was unbeliev- attracting and keeping good techs, inven- should be. able,” he remarked. tory management, and so on. At our after- But because we are mechanics, techni- “Sales-wise June was market industry gatherings and associa- cians, repair shop owners, and we’ve been the best month in my tion meetings, we spoke frequently about told our industry can’t be trusted, we’ve memory, and that goes marketing and pricing strategies. The half believed it. We must not let ourselves back to when (the previ- consensus was that it was possible to dis- look away from our fundamental margins ous owner) was here for count ourselves right out of business even and our pricing plan. If the plan hasn’t been 10 years. It evened out though overflowing with new customers. updated in six months, start again with after that, but if you look DB: How does a shop owner or manager what you know are real numbers as the “We also got Autologic for European at January to now, we’re definitely way up avoid this pitfall? How do they determine foundation for your current pricing plan. I cars,” Odell explained. “Once we get the compared to last year, even taking the hit pricing strategies? believe chronic underpricing is a symptom trouble codes, we go to IdentiFix, software in April, which was 50 percent of what we LC: As an industry, it has been ham- of insecurity and feeling unworthy to be we use to see what common repairs are typically do that time of year.” mered into our adequately paid for heads not to oper- our services. ate without a clear DB: You had understanding of Helping people significant experi- margins and pricing. ence in other non- Among our peers, understand their own automotive busi- “The goal is to ‘turn and burn,’ get the we talked know- worth and value tends nesses. This clearly ingly about coupons gave you insight car in and get it out, keep the cars flow- and marketing cam- to multiply. When your into how to grow a ing through the bays,” he explained. paigns that attracted business and how price shoppers, and employees feel highly to “think like a cus- “If we get an older car in here, it takes we swapped stories valued, they show tomer.” What can about the transient shop owners and more time to find parts, so by the time nature of custom- customers that same managers do daily ers we attracted by kindness but from a to build their busi- the parts get here the car is tying up a these campaigns. nesses? bay for a day or two. That’s not what Most of us had tried position of strength. LC: At the end them all at one time of the day when you you want to do.” or another. What see that your pricing made us turn to policies are being desperate forms of advertising? February, followed and average margins are being April, and November — that’s what drove met, then you’ve had a good day. Always us to it. When the car count dropped, we keep in mind, your profession is contribut- panicked, and instead of sticking to the ing a service of great value to your com- recommended based on those codes.” On the plus side, they took advantage of plan, we followed our gut and made it munity. You are providing good jobs in a Which means they can work on vaunted that slowdown to do some refurbishing of worse. stable, healthy work environment. Your marques like Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, the shop. However what really helped dur- When we diverted from our plan, we shop’s reputation brings in customers who Audi, “and VW,” added Odell. “As a mat- ing the pandemic was that they already did invited trouble. It usually happens slowly, are looking for honesty and quality repairs ter of fact we swapped out an engine on a pickup and delivery of cars. Besides hav- but it happens. Those businesses were at a fair price, and who are far more likely VW not too long ago.” ing a key drop box they’re also tied in with often built by kind, generous-hearted to stay customers for many years. A good “It’s all nut and bolts,” Plunkett said of a local towing company. people who couldn’t resist winging it, reputation among your peers and in the German engineering. “They’ve got their “They bring us a lot of cars,” Odell said. too often shooting from the hip with their community is built slowly over time. Your quirks like any car manufacturer does, but “Customers may call for a tow, or they’ve pricing. They weren’t watching their core customers will tell you how much they trust once you’ve worked on a few of them, it’s got AAA.” numbers; the business was floating along you and how valuable your knowledge and just repetitive nature.” They’re also a NAPA Auto Car Center, until it was gone. services are to them. This leads to a culture Meanwhile, Odell used some his own “which gives customers piece of mind with DB: What causes shops to divert from a of mutual respect and honor among the background to overhaul the shop’s internet a guaranteed warranty nationwide” he con- well thought-out plan? staff, and it becomes almost unthinkable to presence. tinued. “I’ve used it before; I actually had LC: It takes self-discipline and courage break away from a system that is working “One of the first things I did was get the someone come in from Illinois who had to ignore the wrong messages we get from in a tangible way. website taken care of, getting on social brakes done that we re-did, covered under all sides, from what we think is “the mar- Helping people understand their own media, start doing some advertising, and warranty.” ket.” The pressure to devalue ourselves worth and value tends to multiply. When enabled CRM,” he explained. “We have a With much of the city’s auto repair busi- and our services is everywhere around us, your employees feel highly valued, they Mitchell system for running the shop, but ness laid out along the Columbia corridor particularly in a culture that promotes col- show customers that same kindness but (the previous owner) had its sales and mar- heading out of town, Auto Doctor of Frank- lege degrees for everyone and looks down from a position of strength. And when keting tool totally shut off, so I turned that lin occupies a geographical and historical its nose at technical and trade schools. If employees have a stake in the outcome, on. I think it’s brought in some more busi- trailhead for the local industry. Old tradi- we’re not paying attention, we can absorb your entire team will benefit. • ness, keeps us busier.” tions combined with cutting edge technol- and unwittingly agree with an elitist view The website was updated through ogy; this shop is at the heart of things. • of ourselves and our work, our gifts and David Bry is a senior technical writer for GoDaddy, “which has a whole social skills. ALLDATA. division that helps manage your presence DB: Why don’t other professions suffer December 2020 Dixie Automotive Report 11

vehicles. ating additional eCrate packages with 1977 K5 Blazer-E features Chevrolet Lingenfelter Performance Engineer- higher-performance options and new bat- ing in Brighton, Michigan will be the first tery configurations to fit a wider range of Performance eCrate package company to pilot the training and certifi- aftermarket applications. Longer term, the cation program. This experience will help team will work to integrate GM’s modular inform the certification process for future Ultium battery system technologies. By Chevrolet Press Release pump providing vacuum to the stock brake installers. “Minutes after Chevrolet showed the system, and an electronic controller to The 60-kWh Electric Connect and E-10 concept, customers started calling to DETROIT — At SEMA360, Chevrolet drive inputs to the vintage Blazer gauges Cruise package, expected to be available in ask how soon they could build their EV planned to showcase a 1977 K5 Blazer – such as displaying the battery’s state of the second half of 2021, includes: project,” said Russ O’Blenes, Chevrolet converted to all-electric propulsion. The charge on the original fuel gauge. 60-kWh battery pack director of Engineering, Performance and K5 Blazer-E is a functional proof of con- eCrate Installer Certification Program 200-horsepower electric motor Racing. “The K5 Blazer-E demonstrates cept of the upcoming Electric Connect and To prepare for the eCrate launch, Chevro- DC-to-AC power inverter to drive the what is possible for customers who want Cruise package Chevrolet Performance let Performance certified Electric Connect electric motor to convert their vintage truck to a daily plans to sell in the second half of 2021. and Cruise installers. Participating Chevro- DC-to-DC power converter to power driver with the instant torque and unique During the virtual event, Chevrolet Per- let dealers and aftermarket companies will low-voltage systems driving experience of an EV. For customers formance surveyed SEMA members inter- receive the training, tools and equipment Wiring harnesses, controllers and water who want more extreme performance, the ested in building their own electric projects needed to work with high-voltage systems pumps for battery heating and cooling modular eCrate system will have virtually to help finalize Chevrolet’s initial eCrate and charging stations to service customers’ Chevrolet Performance is also evalu- limitless applications.” • offering. “As GM introduces a new fleet of elec- tric vehicles, it creates an exciting oppor- tunity to bring EV technology to the after- market,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance and Motorsports. We Specialize in Power Stroke “Our vision is to offer a comprehensive line of Connect and Cruise systems from Chevrolet Performance – delivering a solu- Sales and Service! tion for every customer ranging from LSX V-8s to eCrate conversions.” Building the K5 Blazer-E Chevrolet first previewed the eCrate Low, Low Prices! We beat any To convert the 1977 K5 Blazer, the team first removed price in our area! Call us today! from the Blazer the original 175-horsepower 400 cubic- inch V-8, three-speed auto- matic, fuel system and exhaust. Then, the team installed a Bolt EV electric motor, delivering Our large inventory means we can sell cheaper! 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Chev- Overnight delivery available on: 7.3, 6.7, 6.4 and 6.0 rolet Performance electroni- diesel engines – plus injectors and high cally controlled four-speed automatic. pressure pumps. conversion concept with the Chevrolet eCOPO Camaro in 2018, followed by the Chevrolet E-10 in 2019. Learnings from those vehicles helped inform Chevrolet’s Electric Connect and Cruise strategy. The new K5 Blazer-E retains as much of the stock Blazer as possible and approxi- mately 90 percent of the new parts installed for the eCrate package are factory compo- nents from the Chevrolet Bolt EV. To convert the 1977 K5 Blazer, the team first removed from the Blazer the original 175-horsepower 400 cubic-inch V-8, three- speed automatic, fuel system and exhaust. Then, the team installed a Bolt EV electric motor, delivering 200 horsepower and 266 Don’t forget . . . lb-ft of torque, paired with a Chevrolet Per- Gerald Jones Ford formance electronically controlled four- we sell speed automatic. The rest of the Blazer 3480 Wrightsboro Rd, Augusta GA 30909 drivetrain remains untouched, including the transfer case, driveshaft and axles. Genuine Ford PARTS DIRECT: 706-738-8000 Power is supplied by a 400-volt Bolt EV battery pack with 60 kilowatt-hours of Parts too! [email protected] usable energy installed in the cargo area. Using production controllers and wiring harnesses preserves many Bolt EV fea- tures, including shock protection, battery heating and cooling, battery-overcharge protection and even regenerative braking. The aftermarket components include an electric power steering kit, an electric 12 Dixie Automotive Report December 2020 Racing Notes Elliott drives from back of Larson still popular on dirt the field to first NASCAR title tracks, despite slur

By AP Wire Service Chase Elliott became the fan favorite in By Steve Reed plenty of opportunities to get my fun in 2018 after Earnhardt Jr. retired. He’s the and stay sharp and continue to become a AVONDALE, Ariz. — The new face of first most popular driver to win the cham- CONCORD, N.C. — Donald Reed better race car driver.” NASCAR circled Phoenix Raceway for a pionship since his father won his only drove more than seven hours to North Team owner Rick Hendrick expressed celebratory lap of his finest achievement. title. Carolina last month just to watch Kyle some concern about Larson getting in- Chase Elliott, NASCAR’s most popular The Elliotts joined Lee and Richard Larson race on dirt tracks. jured, but also realizes the driver wouldn’t driver, was now a Cup champion, too. Petty and Ned and Dale Jarrett as just So he wasn’t going to miss out on pur- be happy without it. He also said it keeps He came upon teammate Jimmie John- the third father-son combination to win chasing a long sleeve shirt with Larson’s Larson’s driving skills at a high level. son, who banged doors with Elliott. Then a NASCAR Cup title. The Elliotts, along name on it to bring home. Standing out- “This is his love,” Hendrick said. “So, the seven-time champion, in his final race, with Hall of Famer Tim Flock, are the side Larson’s merchandise trailer in this as long as it doesn’t interfere with the gave Elliott a fist bump. only three drivers from Georgia to win the community a short drive northeast of NASCAR team, then I’m okay. As long as The torch has officially been passed. title. Charlotte, he proudly held up the shirt that we get in the championship run and he’s This is NASCAR’s Camelot. Hendrick Motorsports extended its read: “When life gives you lemons, just 100% committed to his job here; as long Elliott did what Dale Earnhardt Jr. could NASCAR record with a 13th champion- keep winning.” as he can do that and race the dirt, too, it’s not and parlayed the popularity gleamed ship. “I just think he’s a really good guy,” okay.” off his Hall of Fame father into a NAS- Elliott passed Joey Logano with 42 laps said Reed, from Hanover, Pennsylvania. Dalton Hughes, a race fan from Boy- CAR championship. The son of “Awe- remaining and pulled away in a race Elliott “He’s fan friendly. He always stays after ertown, Pennsylvania, is thrilled to hear some Bill from Dawsonville” Georgia controlled even as the four title contenders the races to give everybody their auto- that. solidified himself as the new face of Hen- ran 1-2-3-4 most of the afternoon. Elliott graphs.” “For me I think he’s different than ev- drick Motorsports, of Chevrolet and of had charged through the field during the Reed, like many race fans, has forgiven eryone else,“ Hughes said. “The way he NASCAR on the day the greatest driver of first stage to clump the four contenders in Larson for his use the n-word during a vir- drives a dirt car, it’s something different this generation called it a career. the winner-take-all season finale. tual race earlier this year. Larson lost his and it’s exciting.” Elliott drove from the back of the field It was Elliott’s fifth win of the sea- ride and was suspended by NASCAR, and Jason Hagenbuch, a former dirt track to victory lane at Phoenix to win for Hen- son, trailing only Kevin Harvick (nine) he spent months working with others to driver from Pennsylvania, said he came to drick and Chevrolet, which had been shut and Denny Hamlin (seven). Elliott’s win realize and learn from his mistake. It paid the track to watch Larson run because [he] out of the title race since Johnson won his at Martinsville a week earlier not only off: Larson is returning to the Cup Series also loves the way he attacks the course. seventh and final crown in 2016. locked him into the final four, but elimi- next year after signing on to drive with “He’s very fluid,” said Hagenbuch. “I just never would have thought that nated regular-season champion Harvick. NASCAR power Hendrick Motorsports. “He’s a true driver, whether that is dirt, this year would have gone like it has,” El- “I felt like we took some really big The line at Larson’s merchandise trailer asphalt, whatever. As for (the racial slur), liott said. “I mean, NASCAR Cup Series strides this year, and last week was a huge at The Dirt Track at Charlotte was longer everybody makes mistakes and that is un- champion, are you kidding me? Unreal.” one,“ said Elliott, who also won the All- than all of the other drivers combined. derstandable in today’s world. You’ve got He shared a long hug with Johnson, Star race at Bristol. “To come out of that Just across the street from Charlotte Mo- to give guys a second chance.” who joined Elliott for the victory celebra- with a win and a shot to come here and tor Speedway, fans came to buy Larson And fans apparently have. tion. have a chance to race is unbelievable.” shirts, hats and coffee mugs, and watch McGarey, who travels around the coun- “Oh my gosh, I mean, to share a mo- Elliott beat Brad Keselowski, who was him become the first driver since 2016 to try selling Larson merchandise, said fans ment like that, Jimmie’s last race, to win followed by Team Penske teammate Lo- compete in both World of Outlaws late have been turning out in droves to buy and lock the championship,” said Elliott, gano and then Hamlin, who is now 0 for 4 models and sprint cars, his true love. Larson merchandise. “those are moments you can only dream, in title races. Hamlin is considered along “I think with Kyle going back to NAS- When Larson raced dirt tracks for the you know, and this is a dream. with Hall of Famer Mark Martin the best CAR next year I have a lot of people com- first time in the Dakotas earlier this year, “Just hoping I don’t ever wake up.” driver without a Cup title. ing by and just wanting to get some dirt he said the line stretched further than he Elliott’s car failed pre-race inspection The race had just four total cautions, track stuff,“ said Patrick McGarey, one of could see and he and his staff were selling and the penalty cost him the pole when he three of them scheduled breaks. It made the vendors. “They think they won’t see items non-stop for six straight hours. was sent to the rear. But he raced his way Elliott’s coronation look easy. him again, but I’m sure they will.” It helps that Larson has been winning at through traffic in the first stage and then The race completed NASCAR’s fren- The 28-year-old Larson has promised nearly every level all year long after his took control of the championship. Elliott zied 38-race schedule that was overhauled dirt track fans as much. suspension. led seven times for a race-high 153 laps. because of the pandemic. The season was As part of his agreement with Hendrick, “Kyle made a mistake, but he held up to Johnson finished fifth — his best result suspended five days after NASCAR raced Larson has been given permission to race it,” McGarey said. “He has worked really since August — in his final ride in Hen- at Phoenix in March, a race won by Lo- dirt tracks next season when it doesn’t hard to better himself. I’m really proud drick’s No. 48 Chevrolet. gano, and the engines idled for 10 weeks. conflict with his NASCAR schedule. of him for all he has done and all he’s try “My heart is full,” said Johnson, who But facing crippling financial losses to “Everybody knows that dirt racing is to do on his own to better himself. Kyle is tied with Hall of Famers Richard Petty the teams and the industry, NASCAR was important to me and continuing to do that is a really great person and it’s good that and Dale Earnhardt with seven titles. His one of the first sports to resume competi- is important to me,” Larson said. “I’m people give him a second chance. I think 83 victories rank sixth on the career wins tion. NASCAR went racing again May 17 thankful that they are letting me still run everybody will — and he will come out on list and his stretch of five consecutive and used doubleheaders, midweek races dirt stuff. With the schedule being a little top.” (AP) • titles from 2006-2010 is a NASCAR re- and a massive scheduling shuffle to com- more open like it was this year, I’ll have cord. plete the season for all three of its national Asked what he will remember about his series. 686th race, Johnson said it will be Elliott’s For the finale, the first one at NAS- Torrence, Hagan, Enders, Smith win NHRA titles breakthrough. CAR’s owned and remodeled Phoenix LAS VEGAS — Steve Torrence, Matt Hagan, Erica Enders and Matt Smith held onto “Chase Elliott won his first champion- Raceway, NASCAR loosened its “bub- their points leads to win season titles at the Dodge NHRA Finals at The Strip at Las ship. I’m so happy for that guy,” he said. ble” and allowed families and guests for Vegas Motor Speedway. “I can recall going snowboarding with the first time since, well, the last time they Torrence raced to his third straight Top Fuel championship, Hagan claimed his third Bill out in Colorado and Chase was maybe raced at Phoenix. The post-race celebra- Funny Car title, Enders won her fourth Pro Stock crown, and Smith his fourth Pro Stock 8 years old on skis, super quiet, wouldn’t tion was the first time Johnson had seen Motorcycle title. say much. Rick Hendrick, his boss of 20 years, since Hagan and Enders raced to event victories as well, with Hagan giving Don Schum- “To watch him grow up and to be around March. acher Racing its 14th straight victory in the class dating to 2019. He beat Ron Capps him and to give him some advice from “If you can get through a year like this with a 3.914-second run at 326.40 mph in a Dodge Charger SRT for his third win of the time to time has really been meaningful and you’re NASCAR, certainly it bodes season and 36th overall. for me. I think more about him winning a well,” Keselowski said. “I thought it was Enders raced to her fourth victory of the season and 29th overall. She beat Kyle Ko- championship more than anything.” really amazing what the sport was able to retsky with a 6.643 at 206.39 in a Chevrolet Camaro. Antron Brown won the Top Fuel Elliott, who turned 25 later last month, achieve, that we were able to get all the event, and Angie Smith — Mike Smith’s wife — topped the Pro Stock Motorcycle field. has followed his father’s footsteps. Bill races in. To be here today and have a great Brown beat Torrence in the final with a 3.759 at 315.34 for his first victory in more Elliott won the 1988 championship and 16 race for a championship, I think that’s than two years and 51st overall. Angie Smith won for the second time in her career, times was voted by the fans NASCAR’s really impressive.” (AP) • topping Steve Johnson with a 6.917 at 194.83 on an EBR. (AP) • most popular driver. December 2020 Dixie Automotive Report 13

Racing school for minorities Michael Jordon’s NASCAR extends olive branch to Larson team partners with Gibbs

By Dan Gelston Fisher plans to attend a NASCAR race By Jenna Fryer But 23XI is not a fifth Gibbs car — in the area next season when Larson re- that’s against NASCAR rules — and PHILADELPHIA — Jysir Fisher was turns to the track. He might see him soon- CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michael Jor- Hamlin had to prove its independence for whisked into victory lane at Dover for er should Larson continue his visits to the dan expects to field a winning team when the team to launch. 23XI will be a JGR a whirlwind of hugs and high-fives with school that started in 1998 with a bold 23XI Racing begins NASCAR competi- customer and operate from a shop owned race winner Kyle Larson. Fisher never re- plan to take kids from the inner city to the tion next season. The first move toward by Germain Racing, which is going out of ally watched NASCAR and had no idea inner circle of stock car racing. victory lane came last month in a partner- business. who Larson was when they were seated The Urban Youth Racing School was ship with Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota. Mike Wheeler, who led Hamlin to five only days earlier at the same table at an hatched by Philly native Anthony Mar- Jordan partnered with current NAS- wins over three seasons including the first awards banquet for a youth racing school. tin, who left a sports marketing career in CAR driver Denny Hamlin as new team of Hamlin’s three Daytona 500 victories, The Philadelphia teen’s interests lean to- which he rubbed shoulders with the likes owners and will field the No. 23 for Bubba will be crew chief for the No. 23. Wheeler ward engineering, yet there he was last of Randall Cunningham and Charles Bar- Wallace. The formation of 23XI — pro- this past season was the competition di- October, soaking in the spoils of winning kley to pursue his love of racing and mix nounced twenty-three eleven — was com- rector for Leavine Family Racing, a team a playoff race with his new favorite driver. it with a dream of introducing inner-city pleted in September but the final pieces aligned with Gibbs that is closing. The two formed an instant bond at the kids to NASCAR. The school has served weren’t confirmed until November. “The way the rule is meant to be inter- banquet: Larson used his Chevrolet con- more than 7,500 students from ages 8 to Joe Gibbs Racing won last year’s Cup preted is its not a fifth JGR car, so they’re nections to get Fisher into the race, and 18 over the last 22 years and teaches all Series championship with Kyle Busch not providing services to us for free,” three nights after they met, the driver won aspects of auto racing, including driving and Hamlin finished in the Cup standings. Hamlin said. “They are not providing his only NASCAR race of the 2019 sea- and Black racing history. UYRS uses a Hamlin has driven for Toyota and JGR us the cars for free and everything is in- son. Larson even gave his email address science, technology, engineering and math since 2008, so an alliance with any other dependent. We are not using any of their to Fisher and told him to write any time. curriculum and students are quizzed and manufacturer would have been a signifi- staff. It’s our own organization, we have “He’s like the real-deal racer,” Fisher graded and compete for various year-end cant conflict of interest. our own payroll, our own vendors that we said he thought of Larson. awards. “My main goal for 23XI Racing is to be have to pay, so this organization stands on The next time Fisher and Larson spoke Fisher won the 2019 Chevy points competitive for a championship as soon as its own.” face to face, the topic would have seemed championship for his work in class and possible,” said Jordan. “Our partnership That means 23XI will also have to win inconceivable at that October ceremony on the go-kart track and earned a trophy with Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing gives on its own, no small feat at NASCAR’s for the Urban Youth Racing School. about as big as his 5-foot-7 frame. Chev- us the equipment, resources and expertise elite Cup level. Larson, an advocate for the Philly-based rolet has helped subsidize the program, to do it.” Tempering Jordan’s expectations will program that creates opportunities in rac- one Martin and his wife, Michelle, said JGR is the flagship Toyota team and be a challenge, but Hamlin insisted the ing for minorities, was caught using a slur was composed of about 90% young Black considered one of NASCAR’s top orga- goal is to win in their inaugural season. during an iRacing event in April. Larson males. nizations. Gibbs has won five Cup titles Hamlin said they are also already looking lost his NASCAR ride, his sponsor, his Larson got a taste of the curriculum since 2000 and last year celebrated a ban- at expanding to two cars for 2022. (AP) • multimillion-dollar contract — and per- when Michelle Martin gave him a history ner season in which its four drivers com- haps shattered his reputation with the kids lesson on racial inequality that spanned bined to win 19 of 36 races. and the school where he stood as a role 400 years. model. That’s what led Larson back to “I said, ’This really sucks for you, Kyle, the school as part of his racial repentance because you said what you said not only tour — which included a visit to the site in the middle of a viral pandemic, but we Saudi Arabia to host F1 in Minneapolis where George Floyd died also have this racial pandemic that’s hap- — and he met with students, their families pening,”’ she said. “But I understood how and instructors to have real conversations he said the word. I understood the context race in 2021 in Jiddah about the hurt he caused. of the word. But I also needed him to un- The 28-year-old Larson wanted to apol- derstand what our boys go through. The By Aya Batrawy bia like to attend these events and be en- ogize to Fisher for the slur, not by Zoom racial profiling. What that word means tertained and meet people from all around or text, but eye to eye in the same room. when used in a specific way. The minute DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Sau- the world.” Unsure how he would feel when he saw you use it, the minute you’re not Black di Arabia will host a Formula One race The kingdom did not say how long it’s Larson, Fisher was open to a conversation and use it, it turns into a whole different next year, a move aimed at attracting well- contract with F1 will last, but the coun- with someone suddenly labeled a racist. word with a whole different meaning.” heeled globe-trotting visitors and raising try has plans to build a race track in the “I didn’t think of Kyle as that person,” The Martins saw raw pain from Larson, the kingdom’s profile internationally as a capital, Riyadh, by 2030. Saudi Aramco, Fisher said. “I didn’t want to make any and at one point, he was on the brink of tourist destination. the kingdom’s oil and gas giant, is already assumptions before I actually heard the tears. Larson, who is half Japanese and The kingdom said it will host the race a global sponsor of the heavily-sponsored story from him. I saw the video and every- was part of NASCAR’s diversity program, in November 2021 in the Red Sea city of race. body was giving their opinions and stuff. earned a second chance with the school. Jiddah, using scenic roads along the coast. The cost of hosting the F1 could exceed But I wanted to know the real story, how “If I believe that Black men in my com- Gulf locales including Manama, Bah- $100 million, though Prince Khalid said he was feeling, from Kyle.” munity deserve second chances, I also rain, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emir- he also expects it will generate revenue for Fisher said Larson was sincere in his believe that men of other communities de- ates, already host F1 races, which see A- Saudi Arabia as the country races to diver- apology, realized the pain he caused and serve second chances,” Michelle Martin list Hollywood stars, royals, billionaires, sify its economy away from dependence how ignorant he had been for failing to said. “He earned his second chance. No- ministers and social media influencers on the export of oil, which has plunged to realize how wicked the N-word is to the body gave it to him. We didn’t prop him gather for days of partying, discreet talks less than $38 a barrel amid weaker global Black community. up. He did the work and that’s the reality.” and deal-making. demand. “He didn’t fully get the full meaning be- Larson surprised the school when he Last year, 21 cities hosted races, but that One standout feature of the Saudi race hind the word,” Fisher said. “He thought it bought it two racing simulators and gave has been scaled back this year because of will be the absence of champagne pop- was cool to use it. It wasn’t.” them a test run in September against select the coronavirus pandemic. Some cities in ping by the winners and alcoholic bever- The 18-year-old Fisher, a mechanical students. 2020 have hosted multiple races. Con- ages flowing in the stands and at the after engineering major at Morehouse College, Larson visited the school without fan- cerns about large crowds amid the pan- parties. Consumption of any alcohol in the believed an “honest mistake” was made fare — one trip came the same weekend demic have also caused most races to be Muslim kingdom is outlawed. and forgave Larson for the slur. Larson the Cup Series raced up Interstate 476 at held without fans. The kingdom has experience hosting explained he used the word “ casually, al- Pocono — and NASCAR officials also “Motorsports for us is very important,” the electric Formula E series, which was most like a greeting ” and vowed to rid have toured UYRS and the new leadership Prince Khalid bin Sultan al-Faisal, chair- held on the outskirts of Riyadh. Prince it from his vocabulary. They’ve become regime has strengthened ties with the pro- man of the Saudi Automobile and Mo- Khalid said international visitors then texting buddies since, and Fisher was sure gram. Once considered a can’t-miss future torcycle Federation, told The Associated have respected the cultural differences. to congratulate Larson when he landed his star in NASCAR, Larson was grateful the Press in an interview. “We would like to (AP) • 2021 NASCAR ride with Hendrick Mo- school was willing to give him a second host these events as long as we can be- torsports. chance. (AP) • cause our local people here in Saudi Ara- 14 Dixie 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 Dixie Automotive Report 15

Should the Wrangler Rubicon 392’s low-range gear ratio. The transfer case has 4x4x470! New 2021 Jeep® functional hood scoop become restricted four driver-selectable modes: 4WD Auto, by snow, mud or debris, a secondary air 4WD High, Neutral and 4WD Low. This path within the hood structure feeds the full-time two-speed transfer case is intui- Wrangler Rubicon 392 engine, making it possible for the Wrangler tive and allows the driver to set it and for- Rubicon 392 to reach top speed even with a get it, while constantly sending power to By FCA Press Release The addition of the 6.4-liter (392 cubic fully blocked primary air path. the front and rear wheels. The Selec-Trac inches) engine marks the first time in An active dual-mode exhaust is standard transfer case also allows for Wrangler Auburn Hills, Mich. - For enthusiasts nearly 40 years a V-8 has been a factory to deliver an exhilarating and unmistak- Rubicon 392 to be flat-towed. who crave soul-stirring, legendary off-road option for the Wrangler. Tuned specifically able sound. The system engages automati- Off-road Plus with Sand and Rock performance and a new level of on-road for the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 and its cally, opening valves in the exhaust sys- modes: The push of a button maximizes performance, Jeep® introduces the V-8- functional hood scoop, the engine is rated tem, under higher engine loads to reduce the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392’s tractive powered 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. at 470 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. exhaust back pressure. The driver can also capabilities. The modes adjust throttle, The most capable, quickest, most power- Critical to on- and off-road performance, activate the system with the press of a but- transmission shift points and traction con- ful Wrangler carries the 6.4-liter V-8, rated nearly 75 percent of the Wrangler Rubicon ton. The dual-pipe performance exhaust trol for peak performance on higher speed at 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. 392’s peak torque is available just above system is finished off with unique quad passes on sand terrain, as well as during Mated to the crisp-shifting TorqueFlite engine idle speed; this delivers exciting exhaust tailpipes. low-speed rock crawling. The Off-road eight-speed automatic transmission and performance, whether enabling a 4.5-sec- A high-torque capacity TorqueFlite Plus drive mode also gives drivers the Selec-Trac full-time active transfer case, ond 0-60 mph time or crawling up steep 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission ability to lock the rear axle at high speeds the powertrain rockets the Jeep Wrangler grades. delivers quick, crisp gear changes during while in “4H” Rubicon 392 from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds The performance of the 6.4-liter V-8 is both normal and performance driving con- Selec-Speed Control manages vehicle and the quarter-mile in 13.0 seconds. Plus, based on a cast iron cylinder block and ditions. This transmission also enables the speed in “4L” while traversing off-road this potent combination comes with a fac- aluminum heads, accented with an active driver to change gears via the new steering terrain without requiring throttle or brake tory-backed warranty. intake manifold, variable camshaft timing, wheel-mounted aluminum paddle shifters, input. Selec-Speed Control is activated a first for the Jeep Wrangler, or the Elec- using a button on the dashboard and can be tronic Range Select shifter. adjusted from 1-5 mph simply by using the The fully electronic, eight-speed auto- Electronic Range matic transmission features on-the-fly The Wrangler Rubicon 392 masters low- shift-map changing. The sophisticated speed downhill descents by using the 6.4- transmission software relies on several liter V-8’s engine braking, revised trans- input parameters to determine the appro- mission torque converter lockup control priate driving conditions and adjusts shift and a 48:1 crawl ratio to manage vehicle pattern in response. The result is auto- speed without the driver needing to use the matic shifting ideally attuned to the perfor- brake pedal. mance requirements of almost any driving The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 chassis demand. includes upgraded frame rails, front upper The transmission’s gear ratios afford control arms and cast iron steering knuck- the right response at the right time, from les to take full advantage of the Wrangler crawling over obstructions on the trail to Rubicon 392’s power and torque. Heavy- smooth power delivery at highway speeds, duty brakes bring the Wrangler Rubicon a product of smaller ratio steps between the 392 to a composed stop no matter the ter- gears. rain. The Wrangler Rubicon 392’s powertrain The Wrangler Rubicon 392’s off-road calibration includes Torque Reserve and prowess flows from wide track, heavy-duty AMax shifting, accessible when doing a Dana 44 front and rear axles with thicker brake torque launch, that delivers maxi- axle tubes and Tru-Lok electronic locking mum acceleration for solid-pavement differentials. An electronic front sway-bar launches. Torque Reserve, an engine strat- disconnect maximizes suspension travel egy used by drag racers, manages fuel flow for the most demanding off-road condi- to the cylinders and controls spark advance tions. Away from the pavement, the Trail Rated twin spark plugs per cylinder, sodium- or retard to balance engine rpm and torque Augmenting the Jeep Wrangler’s proven Wrangler Rubicon 392’s potent powertrain filled exhaust valves, hollow-stem intake to maximize power delivery and launch five-link front and rear suspension, the meshes with heavy-duty wide track Dana valves and piston oil cooling jets. The performance. AMax shifting, a perfor- Wrangler Rubicon 392 comes with a 2-inch 44 axles, a 3.73 final drive ratio, trans- Wrangler Rubicon 392 engine is fitted with mance-enhancing strategy used on the Jeep factory lift and is fitted with specially- mission torque converter lockup control, a rear-sump oil pan, high-mount alternator Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, maximizes tuned high-performance FOX aluminum a 2-inch lift and standard 33-inch tires on and free-flowing exhaust manifolds. forward torque by coordinating shift time monotube shocks to maximize handling 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder and engine torque management. and comfort. • The result is the most capable Jeep deactivation seamlessly shifts to smooth, The heart of the driveline is a Selec-Trac Wrangler ever with 10.3 inches of ground high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode full-time, active transfer case with a 2.72 clearance; improved suspension articula- when engine loads are light, such as cruis- tion and maneuverability; approach, break- ing on the highway. A tank-mounted high- over and departure angles of 44.5, 22.6 and performance pump keeps the V-8 fueled 37.5 degrees, respectively; and the ability under even the most demanding condi- to traverse up to 32.5 inches of water. tions. Call us for all Jeep engineers put it to the test: the 2021 A functional hood scoop feeds the 31 S. Alabama Ave. Monroeville Alabama 36460 your Genuine Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 confidently Wrangler Rubicon 392’s engine with cool, GM parts! climbs up and down steep grades with denser, outside air, which leads to enhanced minimal throttle and brake input. performance. “This is the most powerful, quickest, Jeep engineers ensured the Wrangler A professional staff with years of parts most capable Jeep Wrangler we’ve ever Rubicon 392’s V-8 gets fresh air, regardless experience plus daily local delivery. Call built,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep of the terrain and weather. The Wrangler Brand – FCA North America. “The fac- Rubicon 392’s Hydro-Guide™ air intake Lee Motor Co. today. tory lift and abundant low-end torque from system includes a tri-level ducting system the V-8 makes the Rubicon 392 the king of with a series of drains, including a one-way (800) 239-2898 the hills, whether you’re rock crawling at drain in the air box that separates water – low speeds or powering up an incline. And, up to 15 gallons per minute – away from Fax: (251)575-7916 . www.leemotorcompany.com when pavement replaces dirt, Rubicon 392 the engine’s incoming air. This enables the makes quick work of the road.” Wrangler Rubicon 392 to traverse water up The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 to 32.5 inches deep worry free, even if a goes on sale in the first quarter of 2021. bow wake washes over the hood. 16 Dixie Automotive Report December 2020

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

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