0825 Speed Read
Shopmonkey Now Offering Payment Installment Options Via Affirm
Cloud-based auto shop management platform Shopmonkey will now offer payment installment plans via Affirm as part of its payment processing solution, according to a press release.
Eligible U.S. and Canadian auto shops will now be able to offer Affirm’s pay-over-time plans when invoicing their customers.
Approved customers will have the option to split the total cost of their auto repair bill into budget-friendly biweekly or monthly payment plans, potentially for as low as 0% APR.
“We believe the automotive care experience starts the minute you drive the car off the lot until you turn the keys over to the next owner. Offering flexible payment options like Affirm is a natural extension of that belief—helping empower our customers to deliver a superior automotive care experience,” said Travis Bickham, chief commercial officer at Shopmonkey. “We are excited to partner with Affirm given their commitment to bringing innovative customer-centric solutions to market.”
Christian Brothers Automotive Focusing Franchise Development on Five U.S. Markets
Christian Brothers Automotive has identified five U.S. markets it will be expanding its franchise system to in 2025, according to a press release. The company has signed Letters of Intent as part of its 2025 franchise development pipeline. The newly identified growth markets include New Berlin, Wisconsin; Mobile, Alabama; Stafford, Virginia; Coralville, Iowa; and Derby, Kansas.
Franchise recruitment efforts are already underway in each region. This comes after a record-breaking year in franchise growth for the company in 2024, which now has more than 310 locations across 30 states.
“Each of these new markets represents a powerful opportunity to expand our mission of serving others through exceptional automotive care,” said Brad Fink, chief growth officer at Christian Brothers Automotive. “We're seeing strong demand in these communities, and we're looking forward to identifying the right franchise partners to bring the CBA experience to life.”
MEMA, Alliance for Automotive Innovation Warn of Magnet Shortage in U.S. Automotive Supply Chain
Escalating trade disputes between the U.S. and China may soon lead to a shortage of magnets that will impact the automotive supply chain, according to Kelley Blue Book.
In addition to tariffs, China and the U.S. have engaged in non-tariff barriers, such as the U.S. restricting semiconductors imported from China, and China blocking magnets made from rare earth minerals from being imported to the U.S.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation and MEMA sent a joint letter to U.S. President Donald Trump on May 9, warning of what a shortage in such magnets could do to the supply chain.
These magnets are found in large motors powering EVs and sensors, and components throughout internal combustion engine vehicles. This includes automatic transmissions, throttle bodies, alternators, various motors, seat belts, speakers, lights, motors, power steering, and cameras, as highlighted in the letter.
“Without reliable access to these elements and magnets, automotive suppliers will be unable to produce critical automotive components,” the letter stated.
Northwood University Partners with Women in Automotive for $20K in Scholarships
Northwood University has announced five new scholarships it is offering as part of a partnership with Women in Automotive, according to a press release.
Applications are now open for the scholarships, which are each valued at $20,000 and dispersed in annual increments of $5,000 over four years.
Women in Automotive is a board-led, volunteer-driven organization that focuses on recruiting, retaining, mentoring, and developing women in the automotive industry, from entry-level to executive.
“We are excited about Northwood University's vision, commitment, and generous investment in this transformative partnership,” said Dr. Martha Rader, a Women in Automotive non-profit board member. “Together, we can make a greater difference by paving the way for aspiring leaders through these meaningful scholarship opportunities, empowering the next generation to drive innovation and excellence in the automotive industry.”
California, 10 Other States Sue Over U.S. Blocking Emissions Standards
California, along with 10 other states, has sued U.S. President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin over barring the state from enforcing its own vehicle emissions standards, reports Cal Matters.
Due to the high level of pollution in the state, Congress gave California the power to set its vehicle standards under the 1967 Clean Air Act. As part of a mandate enacted in 2022, 35% of new 2026 model cars sold in the state would have to be zero-emission, before increasing to 68% in 2030 and 100% in 2035.
Last week, Trump signed measures revoking waivers that allowed California to set standards for phasing out gas-powered cars and diesel trucks, granted by the Biden administration. This comes after last month, when Congress used the Congressional Review Act to revoke the waivers.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta promptly responded with a lawsuit, and has been joined by 10 other states, including Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
Legal experts, the Government Accountability Office, and the Senate Parliamentarian have argued that Congress does not have the authority to revoke waivers. In the suit, Bonta said it was an unlawful use of the review act.
Also, Governor Gavin Newsom told the Air Resources Board to develop another mandate for vehicles and keep a public list of automakers abiding by California’s emissions rules. State agencies have also been instructed to provide data on what more can be done to assist consumers with transitioning to EVs within the next 60 days.
U.S. Doubles Steel, Aluminum Tariffs; Federal Appeals Court Reinstates Reciprocal Tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that tariffs on steel and aluminum would be doubled, reports Time.
The announcement followed a decision by the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to reinstate Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, just a day after the Court of International Trade ruled they were illegal, per Automotive Logistics.
Time shared that on Friday, during a rally at U.S. Steel's Mon Valley Works–Irvin Plant in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, Trump said that the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum would be doubled to 50%.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the doubled tariff would take effect on Wednesday, June 4.
The move is expected to impact the automotive industry’s manufacturing processes, as well as other sectors, including construction, according to Felix Tintelnot, professor of economics at Duke University.
“Yes, it does help the domestic steel sector, but [it’s] hurting these other sectors of the economy, and they are already hard hit by other tariffs,” said Tintelnot.
GM Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Ineffective Recall Solution
General Motors is facing a class action lawsuit over its solution to a recall issued earlier this year for allegedly not working.
GM Authority recently shared the case, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. It centers on a recall for the 6.2L V8 L87 gasoline engine, found in the 2019–2024 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019–2024 Chevy Silverado 1500, and several other 2021–2024 GM models.
When the recall was issued this past April, GM instructed dealers to replace or repair the engine if the diagnostic trouble code P0016 is detected. Otherwise, recalled vehicles would be given an oil change with a thicker-grade oil and a different oil fill cap.
However, according to plaintiffs, most drivers are receiving just the oil change, and those who are having engine replacements done on their recalled vehicles have claimed they’re being swapped with identical power units containing the same defective parts.
In addition, the suit accuses GM of not adequately notifying impacted owners of recalled vehicles, with many claiming they failed to be made aware by GM.
GM Recalls Over 600K Chevy Silverados for Brake Pressure Issue
General Motors has issued a recall for over 600,000 vehicles due to an issue with the brake pressure leading to a fluid leak, according to USA Today.
A total of 62,468 vehicles are covered by the recall, comprised of 2019 to 2024 Chevrolet Silverado models in 4500 HD, 5500 HD, and 6500 HD. A total of 2,637 vehicles from model year 2019 are impacted.
The problem lies with the brake pressure sensor assembly, which GM has said may leak brake fluid to the brake pressure switch, leading to a short circuit and potentially a fire. Dealers were notified by GM as of June 12 and have been instructed to replace brake pressure switch wire harnesses on impacted vehicles. Vehicle owners will be mailed letters by July 28, with another round of letters to be sent out once a repair is available. In the meantime, vehicle owners are told to park their vehicles outside and away from buildings. GM added that these vehicles were also repaired under a previous recall no. 23V26, and will need to be repaired again.
Mitchell 1 Rolls Out Enhancements for Managing Revisions in Manager SE Software Mitchell 1 has launched several enhancements to its Job View feature in the latest release of the Manager SE 9.2 shop management software, according to a press release.
Rather than the previous nine-limit cap, the software now allows shops to create unlimited Sub-Estimates for a customer’s vehicle, covering items such as deferred maintenance, recommended services, and previously identified repairs. Tabs are also automatically named based on the work inside each Sub-Estimate, such as Brakes Inspections or Cooling System Flush.
A new Summary tab has also been introduced, which displays all Sub-Estimates, provides a space for internal notes without showing on customer documents.
Recommendations can now be added and linked from the Revisions screen, and a Delete Linked Recommendations option now removes completed Recommendations when transferring related Sub-Estimates to a Repair Order.
“The new capabilities are designed to address real-world challenges–whether you’re quoting multiple jobs or managing deferred work. The goal is to streamline processes and ensure no detail is overlooked or opportunity missed,” said Tim McDonnell, senior product marketing manager for Manager SE. “By enhancing Job View’s capabilities, Manager SE empowers service advisors to deliver clearer communication and improve overall management of complex repair estimates.”
Sun Auto Tire & Service Enters Alabama with Acquisition of Five Locations
Sun Auto Tire & Service has acquired five Fausak Tires and Service locations, marking its entrance into the state of Alabama, as shared in a recent press release.
First opened in 1962, Fausak Tires has been serving the Mobile community for over 60 years. The five stores now join Sun Auto’s network of over 500 locations.
While Sun Auto has established a nearby presence with Delta World Tires in Mississippi and Louisiana, this will be the brand’s first acquisition in the state of Alabama.
“Fausak Tires and Service marks an important step in our growth in the Gulf Coast region,” said Regional Vice President Michael Loa. “We partner with companies like Fausak for a reason—with a long track record of success and history of community stewardship, Fausak is a great Gulf Coast addition for Sun and will thrive with additional regional and national support.”
Ford Recalls Over 492K Older Explorers for Detaching Door Trims
Ford has issued a recall for nearly half a million vehicles due to a door trim prone to detaching while driving, reports Associated Press.
The recall covers 492,145 Ford Explorers from model years 2016-2017. Ford attributed the problem to a lack of proper adhesion to the trim.
While the automaker had been aware of the issue as early as 2019, it did not issue a recall, determining there was no threat to safety. However, this past March, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shared with Ford dozens of vehicle owner reports related to the problem. This prompted an investigation by Ford.
A remedy for the faulty part has yet to be announced, but affected vehicle owners are expected to receive letters after June 9.