Fight to Repair Daily: Wednesday October 19, 2022
Actor gets stuck in his Tesla for 24 hours because of its key fob. Also: Should the FTC be going further on repair, including software?
'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' actor stuck in a parking garage for days after his key fob broke
Glenn Howerton detailed a frustrating experience where his Tesla was stuck in a parking garage for over 24-hours in a podcast on Monday. Howerton told his costars on "The Always Sunny Podcast" that he was locked out of his Tesla on Friday night after his key fob broke. The actor said he was also unable to connect to WiFi in the bottom floor of a Los Angeles parking garage in order to use the electric-car maker's app for accessing the vehicle — a fail safe against issues with the key fob.
On it's website Tesla says for its Model X that "your phone and vehicle must both be actively connected to cellular service to allow the mobile app to communicate with your vehicle."
Tesla first introduced its keyless entry system in 2017 and other carmakers have followed suit, using Bluetooth technology to allow for keyless entry, but, unlike other automakers, Tesla does not supply drivers with a traditional key that can be inserted into the vehicle. Though, the carmaker can give owners more than one key fob. It's unclear what Tesla model Howerton owns. Newer Tesla models do not require internet connectivity to use the app to open and start the car. The newer vehicles also come with key cards. Over the past few years, Tesla has also begun supplying drivers with backup key cards that can be used to get into the car and start it. (Business Insider)
The FTC is looking at fixing appliance repair, but it needs to go beyond manuals
The Federal Trade Commission is considering new rules that would require any appliances touting a familiar yellow EnergyGuide label to also include "information on how consumers can repair their products."
Citing its own "Nixing the Fix Report," the FTC states that repair information will "strengthen consumers' right to repair damaged products, without the need to go back to the manufacturer." That could save customers money, allow non-licensed dealers and repair techs to better compete, and protect the environment, the FTC claims.
What will be crucial to any proposed requirement for repair information is access to appliance firmware and software: diagnostics, resetting warnings, and enabling repair beyond the basics. If a consumer repair manual instructs you to use a software tool to finish installing a new belt or filter, but that software program is not available or costs hundreds of dollars, an FTC-mandated manual isn't strengthening anyone's right to repair. (Ars Technica)
How rising prices are eroding aftermarket auto demand
The increased selling prices of automotive aftermarket products are unlikely to be sustainable as consumers of all income levels shy away from auto care, according to a new report.
A forecast from The NPD Group — which regularly presents data and forecasts for the industry at AAPEX — found that key aftermarket products like spark plugs, tires, wipers, motor oil and paint have seen a 30 per cent increase in prices.
Lower-income consumers are feeling the pinch of this increase and higher-income earners are focusing less on auto care, it reported. As a result, industry revenue will soften going into 2023.
“The automotive aftermarket is in a tug of war between the headwinds and tailwinds swirling in the consumer’s economic existence,” said Nathan Shipley, automotive industry analyst for NPD. “Caught between mobility needs and elevated prices, consumers have moved from a mindset of getting what they need when they need it, to one of prioritized spending and making do.”
Lower-income households most prefer the DIY route. But NPD reported they’re deferring maintenance to stretch their dollars as they feel the burden of higher grocery, gas and other costs. (Auto Service World)
🇿🇦 Tight economy and budgets force South Africans to hang on to their cars for longer
Older cars require more maintenance to ensure their roadworthiness and the safety of its owner and passengers. However, many household budgets just cannot keep up with the increasing costs.
Right to Repair’s CEO, Kate Elliott, says this increases the safety risks on South African roads. She says the situation is further exacerbated by the fact that in South Africa, there is no enforcement of periodic testing. In the UK, for example, testing needs to be carried out every year. Ferose Oaten, the national chairperson of the Vehicle Testing Association (VTA), says there is no requirement for a roadworthy inspection for nearly 80% of the vehicle population in South Africa and stresses the critical need to focus on vehicle safety.
Elliott says while this may seem like a double-edged sword, enforcing safety checks on motorists when consumers are already so financially stretched, the good news for motorists is that since the coming into effect of the Guidelines for Competition in the SA Automotive Aftermarket, we have seen a general opening up of the market providing motorists with the freedom to shop around to find the most competitive service provider. This makes our aftermarket a fairer place to do business, and while we don’t necessarily foresee service prices coming down that much, we are seeing a better quality service being provided and a general slowing down in the inflation of service prices. Parts, on the other hand, have actually seen a decrease in price due to the extra competition now in place. This all bodes well to counter the effects of inflation and help keep our roads safe,” concluded Elliott. (Alberton Record)
How The North Face is approaching circular design
The North Face is launching apparel designed to minimize waste and give materials another life.
This month, the retailer unveiled its first slate of circular design products incorporating single-fiber construction and trims. Circularity involves reusing, repairing and recycling materials to keep them in circulation for as long as possible. In circular design, items are designed from the get-go to make it easier to dissemble their parts and be repurposed in new products. The North Face’s circular design products cover 20 styles, including pants and quarter-zips, and span the adult, plus size, youth and accessories categories.
The North Face’s circular design initiative is the latest step in its commitment to make 100% of its top apparel materials responsibly sourced, recycled, regenerative or renewable by 2025. As part of its efforts, The North Face is also launching a new version of its take-back program later this month and introducing a labeling system that educates consumers about repair, reuse and recovery. (Modern Retail)
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