Minnesota Auto Shop Partners with Nonprofit for Affordable Emissions System Repairs 

Wayne’s Automotive of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, has partnered with a nonprofit in the state to provide free emissions repairs to low-income individuals, reports Lakeland PBS. 

The nonprofit, Environmental Initiative, is working with the shop as part of its Project CAR, where it collaborates with local auto repair businesses to cover the cost of emissions control and exhaust system repair. 

Currently, the program hasn’t gone far beyond the Twin Cities, but its partnership with Wayne’s Automotive marks its entrance into greater Minnesota as it seeks to expand its reach. Since the program was launched in 2017, it has helped repair over 800 cars and eliminate 43 tons of emissions. 

“It’s an opportunity to help our community with car repair,” said Jordan Cozatt, VP of business development and client services for the shop’s parent company, Victory Auto Services. “Certainly, having a nonprofit like Environmental Initiative help is kind of a two-pronged approach, where we’re helping the environment, of course, and this beautiful country up here, but also if we can help the pocketbook of our customers.” 

 

New York Auto Shop Faces Hundreds of 311 Complaints—Allegedly, From One Person 

A longtime family-owned auto repair shop in Brooklyn, New York, has been the target of excessive 311 complaints over vehicles being parked on the sidewalk, reports the Brooklyn Eagle. 

Located at 60 Old Fulton St., New Xcell Auto Repair has been operated by the same family for over 50 years. Eric Han is the current owner, with his grandfather, father, and uncle having first started the business in 1972. 

The shop has built a loyal reputation over the years, but has faced a sudden explosion in 311 complaints lodged against it in the past couple of months, specifically ranging between 300 to 400, which take issue with vehicles being moved between the street and the shop’s property. 

Han was informally told that these complaints were coming from the same person, which made sense given how diligent the complainants have been. For example, when a vehicle was recently dropped off by a tow truck, it took less than five minutes for an employee to bring it in, but it still led to a 311 complaint being filed. 

Another example Han provided was a delivery truck coming to drop off parts, which prompted a 311 complaint over the couple of minutes it took the shop to sign for the delivery. It took police half an hour to investigate the complaint, after the delivery truck was long gone.

“Every time a delivery truck pulls up for five minutes to drop off parts, or someone pulls into my driveway to ask a question, boom, a complaint is immediately filed. When the police get here 20 minutes later, the delivery truck is gone,” said Han. “This guy probably watches the DOT traffic cam and files a complaint online the second a car is on the sidewalk.” 

The problem received even more attention when customers of the shop became aware of what was happening and sent requests for help to Councilmember Lincoln Restler (D-Brooklyn Heights – Greenpoint). 

“This is such a shame. New Xcell are good mechanics,” said one local, Marilynn Donini. “I walk by there every weekday and never have trouble navigating the sidewalk. Twice, I’ve even been on crutches. It’s important to keep local businesses like New Xcell in the neighborhood.” 

Restler told the Brooklyn Eagle that he and his team will be working with New Xcell to find a solution for the shop. 

“New Xcell is a valued small business in our community, and we want to ensure they are able to operate effectively without parking cars on the sidewalk or in the bike lane,” said Restler. “We are committed to working with New Xcell to identify safe alternatives that work well.” 

 

Middle-Age Employees Face Career Growth Challenges, Report Finds 

A recent report from Perceptyx suggests that there is a lack of career opportunities for middle-aged employees, according to Automotive Dive. 

The May 7 report examined factors in retaining and engaging employees. Four out of the top five drivers of an employee’s intention to stay were directly related to career growth, with employees who plan to stay being three times more likely to believe they can achieve their career goals, and more than twice as likely to see a clear path forward. 

However, this confidence in career opportunities decreases with each passing generation, through baby boomers. Training satisfaction peaked with Gen Z, suggesting that there is a gap in opportunities for those older. 

 Lisa Sterling, chief people officer at Perceptyx, also added that the uptick in AI tools may prompt concern from middle-aged and mid-level employees. According to a report earlier this year, nearly half of the employees surveyed by TalentLMS felt AI was advancing faster than their organization could prepare anyone for. 

“Career trajectories become much more unpredictable and obscure at middle age,” added Sterling. “These workers, many of whom are managers with a significant scope of influence, have valuable skills and experience but are left wondering what success looks like in this next stage of life.” 

 

U.S. Senate Votes to Overturn California's Air Pollution Standards 

The U.S. Senate has voted to overturn a waiver allowing California to set its air pollution standards, according to a report from NPR. 

In a 51 to 44 vote, the Senate overruled the guidance of the parliamentarian—something that’s only been done a handful of times in the past 90 years. 

Through the use of a law called the Congressional Review Act, the Senate was able to overturn waivers allowing California to set its standards, which would require 35% of new vehicle sales in the state to be zero emission, growing to 100% of new sales by 2035. 

Some have argued this use of CRA is illegal, such as the Government Accountability Office and the Senate parliamentarian, as well as California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who intends to challenge the decision in court. 

Over 100 public health and environmental groups sent a letter to Congress last month arguing that axing the standards would jeopardize the health and air quality of communities across the state—however, the oil industry has been a stagnant supporter of such a move, with the American Petroleum Institute and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers celebrating the vote. 

 

Hunter Engineering Launches Vehicle Database Update for WinAlign 

Hunter Engineering has released the 2025 specifications update for its alignment, ADAS, and inspection equipment, according to a recent press release. 

Available as of May 21, the update brings 708 new records and more than 2,450 updates to existing records. 

 Additionally, updates have been made to software features such as the tools and kits database, TPMSpecs database and reset procedures, VIN recall support, adjustment assistance, ADAS calibration procedures, and more. 

The first 2026 vehicle information database update release is scheduled for November. 

 

Auto Repair Shops Warned of Counterfeit Parts Entering U.S. Supply Chain 

The Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council is drawing attention to the rise of counterfeit auto parts coming into the U.S., and how it could impact the supply chain, according to a report from the Detroit Free Press. 

In fiscal 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized over 211,000 counterfeit parts, which is double the number seized the previous year. However, it’s likely that the number of counterfeit parts coming in is much larger. 

“We truly believe that the numbers are greater than what they report because they only know what they see,” said Bob Stewart, president of the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council and global brand protection manager at General Motors. “This is an illicit trade, so by nature, it's in the black market, so you really don't know what you're up against.” 

Demand is particularly high for airbags, due to Takata airbags being under the largest recall in U.S. history, but other maintenance parts, like spark plugs, fuel injectors, key fobs, tire pressure sensors, backup sensors, and more, are prone to being counterfeit. 

 Most counterfeit parts are coming in from Asia, including China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Many use drop-ship facilities, which may make the product appear to ship from the U.S., but it’s coming from a foreign seller before entering a U.S. warehouse to be distributed. They’re typically sold online, even on big platforms like eBay or Facebook, and are sent in small parcels for cheaper shipping. 

With counterfeit parts becoming more prevalent since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council has warned auto repair shops to be vigilant about which supply chains they use. The council recommends purchasing parts directly from dealers, distributors, or large chain auto parts retailers. 

 

Auto Suppliers Face Tariff Pressure; MEMA Pushes for USMCA Compliance 

With automotive suppliers facing increasing pressure due to tariffs, MEMA is pushing for the conditions of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement to be honored, as well as other provisions to help auto suppliers adjust, according to a report from Detroit News. 

Leaders of MEMA shared how tariffs have been impacting their members last Friday with the Automotive Press Association, with import taxes of 25% on steel and aluminum, 25% on certain auto parts, and at least 10% on imports from most countries currently in place. 

MEMA’s over 1,000 members have shared dwindling outlooks, with three-quarters now expecting worse financial performances for 2025 than at the beginning of the year.  

Additionally, 7% of members have implemented furloughs, 5% have put temporary wage reductions in place, 43% have delayed capital expenditure spending, 38% have restricted travel, and 15% have taken other actions because of tariffs, according to the report. 

Collin Shaw, president of MEMA's original equipment suppliers group, shared that over half of MEMA members are less competitive because of tariffs, and 53% are worried about sub-tier supplier distress. 

“New orders are down, and costs remain elevated,” said Mike Jackson, MEMA's executive director of research and insights, “and this is a very tough situation for the supplier industry.” 

Shaw added that the best path forward is for USMCA to be honored, and for tweaks to be made as needed to maintain industry stability and provide a level playing field for all suppliers investing in the U.S. 

“We've all invested for the last 20 or 30 years into the North America supply chain, and every country in USMCA offers something unique and has something to bring to the table to ensure that, from a competitiveness standpoint, we can compete with the rest of the world,” said Shaw. 

The potential pitfalls of concentrating all production in one place were also highlighted by Shaw. 

“We have to have that diversified supply chain so that we're not at risk, whether it's a supply chain shock like we saw with tsunamis, or geopolitical tensions like we're seeing today,” Shaw said. “We have to have a diversified supply chain.” 

MEMA is advocating for various solutions, including reforms that would help expedite U.S. expansion, retaining the Inflation Reduction Act that grants incentives to manufacturers of U.S. batteries, incentives for research and development, and support to increase skilled tooling talent. 

 

U.S. Automakers Say Chinese Vehicles in U.S. Market Are a Matter of When, Not If 

Kerrigan Advisors' 2025 OEM Survey recently revealed that for U.S. automakers, it isn’t a matter of if Chinese autos will enter the U.S. market, but when. 

Inside EVs reports that the survey, which polls top automotive executive leadership on industry trends, saw 76% of automakers say they believe Chinese automakers will begin selling their products in America. In addition, 70% said they’re concerned about the financial impact of it. 

Chinese automakers, including BYD and Geely, have already made their way into global markets like Europe and Latin America, with low costs, innovative technology, and efficient production cycles being their strong suit. 

In response, U.S. automakers are looking to shrink their existing dealer networks in favor of fewer, bigger dealerships, as opposed to thousands of smaller dealers. A third of automaker executives surveyed said they expect fewer dealers in the next five years, with only 14% expecting their dealer networks to grow. 

 

Report: Average Vehicle Age Rises Again to 12.8 Years 

The average vehicle age in the U.S. has increased again to 12.8 years, according to new analysis from S&P Global Mobility. 

This is the second consecutive year that the average vehicle age has experienced a two-month increase. Despite a spike in new vehicle registrations in 2024, there has also been a consistent 4.5% scrappage rate, meaning that older vehicles are staying on the road longer. 

One factor impacting these results includes consumer shift from passenger cars to light trucks, with passenger cars averaging 14.5 years in service and light trucks averaging 11.9 years. 

Additionally, states in the Northern Plains and Northwest, as well as Gulf Coast states like Alabama and Mississippi, had higher average vehicle ages. Montana topped the list, having an average age over five times higher than the national average. 

Colorado and Hawaii, however, have had a slower increase over the past five years. Eight states, led by Mississippi and North Dakota, along with Washington, D.C., saw average age trends progressing faster than the national rate over the same time. 

For the first time in several years, S&P found upward pressure on the average age metric for battery electric vehicles, with their rate of sales growth slowing. The average age now sits at 3.7 years. The average age has become moderate for both plug-in hybrids, which have stayed flat at 4.9 years, and traditional hybrids, which fell from 6.9 to 6.4 in the past year. 

With an increased average vehicle age, meaning that more 2015-2019 model years will enter the six- to 14-year window, the aftermarket sector is expected to see more demand for maintenance, repairs, and parts replacements. 

 

Vehicle, Parts Output Fell in April; Could Face Further Complications from Tariffs 

The automotive sector saw a decrease in manufacturing output last month, and could struggle to climb back up due to tariffs, according to Reuters. 

Factory output fell by 0.4%, following an upwardly revised 0.4% gain in March. Reuters also polled economists who predicted a 0.2% decline, after having previously estimated a 0.3% rise. 

Motor vehicle and parts output had been increasing in the past two months, and in April was up by 1.2% year-over-year, but last month also saw a 1.9% drop in motor vehicle and parts output. 

With many tariffs remaining in place—including a 30% tariff on Chinese imports, 10% tariff on nearly all imports, 25% tax on steel and aluminum, and tariffs on motor vehicles and parts—and production heavily relying on imported raw materials, this decline may be difficult for the industry to make up for in the coming months. 

 

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.” 

 

Right to Repair in Maine Faces Bill That Would Limit Vehicles Covered 

As lawmakers in Maine deliberate over the implementation of the right to repair, advocates are fighting against recent bills they say would jeopardize the original ballot initiative’s power, reports Maine Public. 

Passed in 2023 with 84% of the vote, the ballot initiative enables independent repair shops and vehicle owners to access wireless diagnostic repair information within a vehicle. Since then, the state has been through a lot, figuring out how to implement the law, with a working group being formed for suggestions on how the state should enforce it. 

As auto repairers in the state wait to see it be implemented, there are now bills being presented that would hamper the original ballot initiative’s power. One bill currently under consideration would make it so that it applies only to certain vehicles, not all. 

The Housing and Economic Development Committee has approved the bill 11-2, and it will proceed to undergo a language review and further votes by the full legislature, but right-to-repair advocates in Maine are calling attention to the event. 

Supporters from across Maine gathered in Augusta on May 21 to protest the bill and urge lawmakers to reject it. 

“The people have spoken—they want direct access to their information,” said Tommy Hickey, director of the Maine Right to Repair Coalition. “We have shown them technologies that can implement this law safely and securely. And we hope that they respect the will of the voters.”