Question 4 pits automakers against local car repair shops Zainal Abidin, 27/01/2026 The way Dan Brooks sees it, small auto repair shops in Maine will struggle to fix new cars in the future — particularly as the push toward electric vehicles accelerates.That’s why he’s supporting Question 4 on the Nov. 7 ballot, the so-called “right to repair” initiative that would require vehicle manufacturers to standardize diagnostic systems and share that information with repair shops.The idea is to ensure that vehicles can be fixed outside of dealerships if a consumer wants to make that choice.“If you buy a car, you shouldn’t be restricted on where you get your car fixed,” said Brooks, owner of Capitol Car Care in Augusta.But a group representing most vehicle manufacturers says small repair shops already have the information they need to make repairs. They think the groups behind Question 4 are after customer data because they want to market directly to consumers — even going as far as advertising on the screen inside your car.“We’ve said from the beginning the information they are talking about is not necessary to complete a repair,” said Wayne Weikel, vice president of state affairs for the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.Voters in November will be left to… Continue Reading
Waterloo auto repair shops prepare for gas vehicles to be phased out Zainal Abidin, 03/12/2025 It may be more than a decade away, but Canada’s automotive industry is preparing for the federal government’s move to phase out the sale of gas vehicles.With more electric models set to hit the streets, auto repair shops in Waterloo, Ont. are trying to stay ahead of the curve.As the name suggests, German Autotech Inc. specializes in German vehicles powered by gas and diesel. But the plan to wind down gas vehicles by 2035 has put a bit of a wrench in how they operate.“There is a concern there,” said shop owner Mike Kedmenecz.His team of mechanics are anticipating an eventual dip in popular services.“There’s going to be less of the fluid changes. “Certainly you’re not going to have your annual oil change anymore,” Kedmenecz said.Although repairs will still very much be a part of his business.“It’s going to be an industry where we’re still going to have a lot of wear and tear components. Electric cars are going to be placed on heavier weigh scales.”But as an independent shop, Kedmenecz says he’ll be a few years behind dealerships and corporate affiliates when it comes to the latest electric vehicle training and… Continue Reading