Rapid growth in OEM warranty income, driven by technological advances and electric vehicle phenomena, is transforming dealership fixed operations and demanding strategic operational overhauls to sustain profitability in 2024.The landscape of dealership fixed operations is undergoing rapid transformation in 2024, driven largely by the remarkable rise in OEM warranty revenue and the evolving technological complexity of vehicles. Industry data indicates that OEM warranty income increased nearly 20%, reaching approximately $28 billion—well surpassing WarrCloud’s original forecast of 8.4%. This substantial growth comes at a time when routine customer pay work appears to be stagnating, signaling a significant shift in how service departments generate revenue. At the heart of this change is the swift advancement of vehicle technology. Modern automobiles have transitioned from purely mechanical systems to intricate digital platforms filled with sensors, processors, and sophisticated software. Electric vehicles (EVs), in particular, exemplify this evolution. While EVs often require less frequent maintenance—such as fewer oil changes—they tend to incur higher early-life warranty costs due to new platforms and initial component issues. Consequently, warranty claims related to batteries, sensors, and software updates have increased, leading to higher reimbursements from OEMs. Dealerships need to prepare operationally to capitalize on this trend by viewing warranty work as a strategic growth driver rather than just a cost center. Supporting this perspective, warranty reserves across major auto manufacturers totaled approximately $139.456 billion at the end of 2023, reflecting a 14% increase from the previous year. Leaders such as Volkswagen, Toyota, and Ford hold significant portions of these reserves, emphasizing the critical role of warranty in the service revenue mix. Additionally, the cost associated with processing warranty claims has risen by roughly 28%, highlighting the impact of higher vehicle sales volumes and increased technological complexity—including hybrids and EVs—on administrative expenses. OEM standards have tightened, with more frequent audits and reliance on analytics to flag questionable claims, requiring dealerships to maintain meticulous claims processes. To thrive amid these changes, dealerships must overhaul their warranty claims operations. Historically, claims processing was manual and error-prone, often viewed as a necessary overhead. Today, adopting refined procedures—such as technician training on detailed documentation, story writing, and leveraging advanced claims management platforms—can significantly improve accuracy, speed, and compliance. Making these investments reduces audit risks and accelerates recovery of rightful reimbursements, directly benefiting profitability. Moreover, the shifting balance between warranty and customer pay work necessitates a more strategic approach to pricing. With extended maintenance intervals and a competitive landscape featuring national chains and mobile service providers, customer pricing expectations have intensified. Dealerships should utilize local market data to set competitive yet profitable prices for high-frequency services like oil changes and brake repairs. Implementing transparent, bundled service menus can enhance average repair orders without appearing overpriced, while regular pricing audits ensure alignment with current market realities and internal profit goals. In summary, the traditional approach of balancing customer pay and warranty work is no longer sufficient. Increasing vehicle complexity, higher sales volumes, and the expansion of EVs are driving warranty claims upward, making warranty work a more vital component of fixed operations revenue. Dealers who treat warranty as a strategic growth opportunity, streamline their operational processes, and refine their customer pay strategies will position themselves for future success. The fixed operations department of tomorrow will look quite different from today’s, and preparedness hinges on a dealership’s willingness to adapt and innovate. Source: Noah Wire Services

Owners of Ford F-150 Lightning XLT base models are discovering that many premium features can be added or activated via software tweaks and OEM parts, expanding the capabilities of their electric pickup trucks beyond factory standards.Owners of the Ford F-150 Lightning XLT base models are discovering that many advanced features, previously thought to be exclusive to higher trims or unavailable in these models, can actually be unlocked or added through a combination of coding tweaks and OEM part installations. This trend is increasingly popular among enthusiasts and professionals seeking to extend their trucks’ capabilities beyond the factory offerings, especially with electric pickups like the Lightning. For example, some owners have successfully added matrix or anti-glare headlights to base XLT trucks. By modifying specific hex codes across various control modules, they've managed to enable this useful lighting feature, which significantly improves nighttime driving by reducing glare. Since this involves reprogramming existing hardware rather than replacing components, it proves to be an affordable upgrade. Additionally, owners have installed rain-sensing wipers— a feature not included in many base models despite the wiring harness being typically present in most 2022s and all 2023s. The process involves locating the pre-installed harness behind the rearview mirror, connecting the sensor (which costs around $46 including shipping), and running a straightforward coding procedure via FORScan software. Once completed, the vehicle's wipers automatically activate in rainy conditions, enhancing convenience without significant expense. More complex upgrades include adding Ford’s Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC) along with Lane Keep Assist and Auto Lane Centering. This requires purchasing several parts—such as a new bumper wiring harness, radar sensor, and bolts—totaling approximately $560. Mechanically, the bumper needs to be removed to install the radar sensor properly, which entails considerable disassembly work. After installation, the system needs to be calibrated by driving above 30 mph in traffic and performing diagnostic procedures to clear any trouble codes. Owners report that, following these steps, the system functions smoothly, offering adaptive cruise control with lane centering that works well in everyday driving, including stop-and-go traffic. Looking ahead, some owners plan to add features like passive entry on the driver’s door handle and a heated steering wheel. However, these upgrades are more complex; the heated steering wheel, for instance, often requires tricking the vehicle's software—such as faking a SuperDuty status within the SYNC4 system—to unlock the climate control functions, since the hardware alone isn't sufficient. On the official front, Ford's documentation for the upcoming 2025 Lightning models highlights features like automatic LED headlights with rain sensors, LED projector headlamps with dynamic bending, and the Pro Power Onboard system offering 2.4kW and 9.6kW options. These technologies aim to enhance driving comfort and utility, although the documentation does not specify whether these features are standard or optional. It's worth noting that the features themselves are described, suggesting a range of installed or available options rather than confirmed factory defaults. Dealership listings for the 2025 Lightning Lariat, such as those from Lindquist Ford, Ford of Kirkland, Baxter Ford West Dodge, and Ed Morse Ford Muscatine, feature a variety of advanced technologies and comfort options. These include Co-Pilot360 suite with Pre-Collision Assist and Lane-Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, heated and ventilated seats, active noise canceling systems, and premium audio setups like B&O. While some of these features are standard on higher trims, the listings showcase a broad spectrum of capabilities available to buyers, either from the factory or through dealer-installed packages. Safety features such as Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control and Blind Spot Information Systems, present even in earlier model years, form a foundation that can be expanded with aftermarket modifications. The combination of factory hardware and custom coding allows for tailored improvements, making these trucks more versatile and user-friendly. Overall, the community of Lightning owners and enthusiasts illustrates a growing interest in software coding and OEM part swaps to enhance and personalize their vehicles. This approach exemplifies how software integration and hardware upgrades continue to reshape what’s possible with modern electric trucks. The ability to retrofit advanced driver assistance features, lighting, and comfort options reflects an evolving landscape where owners are increasingly taking vehicle customization into their own hands—balancing innovation, affordability, and practicality. Source: Noah Wire Services

Hella launches a wide-ranging portfolio of brake components in the UK, including calipers, discs, and advanced electronics, backed by OE standards and strategic integration into the FORVIA group to meet the evolving needs of workshops and the electric vehicle market.Hella has pretty much nailed it—it's now officially expanded its reach in the UK’s automotive aftermarket with the launch of a comprehensive lineup of top-notch braking products. This move marks a significant milestone after more than ten years of success across Europe. The new range is aimed at busy workshops, and it’s not just about the usual brake pads and discs anymore. They’ve gone further, including calipers, drums, shoes, master and wheel cylinders, wear indicators, and even some advanced electronics like brake-by-wire pedals and ABS sensors. Basically, Hella is positioning itself as a total solution for braking system components in the UK aftermarket. The brake pads are engineered to comply with strict OE standards, with over 200 friction materials tailored for different applications. These pads come with powder-coated steel backplates and high-shear adhesive tech, and they’re improved with chamfers and noise grooves to help keep braking smooth and quiet, whatever the driving conditions. Complementing the pads are the brake discs—they’re built to OE specs too. They use high carbon content, which helps with heat dissipation and minimizes brake fade, both of which are pretty important for safety and performance, especially under heavy use. Plus, these discs feature a water-based coating that offers solid rust protection, meaning there’s no need to clean them before fitting. And, most importantly, all of the discs meet the European ECE R90 regulation—kind of like a quality and safety badge within the EU aftermarket. When it comes to calipers, Hella now offers brand-new units that are fully tested on the bench, ready to install right out of the box. No surcharge or core return is needed, either, and they come with all the necessary mounting hardware. This makes life easier for technicians—faster installs, less hassle. Currently, there are around 6,000 part numbers available in the UK market. But, good news—plans are underway to grow that number to over 9,000, so workshops and parts distributors will have a much wider choice. This product launch also comes on the heels of Hella’s integration into the FORVIA group, following the full acquisition of the HELLA PAGID joint venture just at the end of 2023. This move is strategic—it allows FORVIA HELLA to harness its OE expertise (particularly in things like brake pedal sensors and ABS systems) and combine that with a broader independent aftermarket portfolio that now includes brake wear parts and hydraulics. Dr. Marcel Wiedmann, who heads up global spare parts and workshop solutions at FORVIA HELLA, points out that no part numbers are changing, so wholesalers and workshops won’t be faced with confusing transitions—continuity is key. The company stresses that its brake portfolio now covers almost everything—close to 100% for pads and discs, and over 85% for brake hydraulics. They’re also paying attention to the growing EV and hybrid vehicle markets, covering over 90% of the brake pads those vehicles need. Interestingly enough, they’ve introduced deposit-free brake calipers, supplied with premium accessory kits aimed at making replacements simpler and getting rid of the usual deposit return hassle. Neil Grant, who’s the UK Managing Director for Hella, shared his optimism about this launch. He highlighted the proven quality and competitive pricing being key factors that will appeal to workshops looking for new, diverse braking options. The products were prominently showcased at Automechanika Birmingham in June—a clear sign of Hella's commitment to expanding its presence and supporting the independent aftermarket. For workshops and wholesalers, there’s also a lot of technical support on offer—dedicated hotlines and digital platforms like HELLA Partner World for wholesalers, and HELLA Tech World for workshops. Supported by FORVIA’s international sales network, that means good availability, smooth logistics, and quick delivery times—crucial points in the fast-moving independent aftermarket scene. Looking ahead, FORVIA HELLA is considering further growth avenues, including truck brake products that have already enjoyed success in the Middle East. They’re also exploring wider adoption of brake-by-wire tech in the aftermarket. Dr. Wiedmann emphasized the company's commitment to maintaining a modern, comprehensive brake range so that workshops and wholesalers can confidently service the most advanced vehicles out there—all safely and efficiently. All in all, this expansion really cements Hella’s transformation into a full-range brake supplier, blending OE knowledge with a robust, innovative aftermarket offering. It’s designed to meet evolving market demands and make workshop operations across the UK smoother and more competitive. Source: Noah Wire Services

The automotive world is undergoing a significant shift as software updates become central to vehicle performance, security, and customer engagement, prompting traditional workshops to adapt to a tech-driven future.In the constantly changing world of vehicle maintenance, one trend that\u2019s definitely gaining ground is software updates. These updates are now considered pretty essential, almost rivaling more familiar mechanical tasks like changing spark plugs or doing oil changes. Basically, these updates happen on the vehicle\u2019s electronic control modules\u2014think ECM, TCM, BCM\u2014and they\u2019re designed to fix bugs, give a little boost to performance, and sometimes even add new features. And here\u2019s a thing\u2014unlike visible repairs, these software updates can actually address issues that look, feel, or act like mechanical faults\u2014for example, hesitation when pressing the throttle, rough idling that appears after a repair, or sensor errors producing false diagnostic trouble codes. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) often push out these updates to fine-tune transmission behavior, recalibrate fuel adjustments, fix HVAC glitches, or update data for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). So, keep in mind, software maintenance is pretty critical if you want accurate diagnostics and parts that work smoothly together.\n\nBut here\u2019s the catch\u2014doing these updates isn\u2019t as simple as plugging in a wrench. It needs specialized tools: scan tools capable of flash programming or remote updates\u2014things like OE-level systems, Autel Ultra, or Snap-On Zeus with pass-thru features. You also need a stable power source; the last thing you want is to lose power during an update and end up corrupting the module. And, of course, a good, reliable high-speed internet connection is essential so you can fetch the latest patches from OEM servers or diagnostic platforms. Some companies are starting to offer Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, which means cars can get software tweaks without visiting a workshop. Nonetheless, most service centers still have to handle these updates on-site. Ignoring them, well, it\u2019s basically putting unresolved issues on the back burner\u2014leading to frustrated customers and missed chances to upsell or stand out from the competition. Explaining the benefits\u2014like better fuel economy or fixing known problems\u2014can really help position software updates as a preventative measure, earning trust and boosting service value.\n\nIt's clear that the emphasis on software maintenance signals a pretty big shift in the auto industry. Traditional car makers are scrambling a bit, trying to meet the tech demands of electric vehicles and intricate digital systems\u2014sometimes struggling to keep pace with more tech-savvy newcomers like Tesla. Regular, often frequent, software updates have become key for OEMs to improve how their vehicles work, keep customers engaged, and unlock new revenue streams through digital services. Those who get good at delivering continuous software updates\u2014well, they don\u2019t just improve the ride, they also establish deeper relationships with customers. It\u2019s like an entirely new way of looking at vehicle ownership, one that goes well beyond just mechanical repairs.\n\nElectric vehicles (EVs) are a prime example of this trend, often featuring rapid hardware and software refresh cycles, which allow ongoing improvements over the course of a vehicle\u2019s life. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine cars, which usually follow a model cycle of about 7-8 years with updates mainly during major redesigns, EVs benefit from incremental Over-The-Air upgrades that enhance things like heating systems, sensors, and other key tech\u2014pretty impressive, huh? These updates redefine how the vehicles perform and how drivers experience them, all without needing to replace any hardware. Big names like Tesla, Rivian, Hyundai, and Ford are leading the charge here\u2014using software flexibility to keep their fleets fresh and responsive to customer needs.\n\nBeyond just making cars function better, software updates have real effects on resale value and customer loyalty, too. Regular updates\u2014much like smartphone firmware patches\u2014help maintain a vehicle\u2019s appeal in the marketplace by improving performance, extending battery life, and adding new features even after you\u2019ve bought the car, as Tesla has shown quite effectively. This software-driven approach also allows for a lot of personalization\u2014think adjusting climate controls or augmented reality dashboards\u2014well, pretty soon, cars might adapt dynamically to passenger preferences thanks to artificial intelligence, ultimately elevating the whole ownership experience.\n\nOf course, moving toward software-dependent vehicles isn\u2019t all smooth sailing. As discussed at CES 2023, \u201csoftware-defined vehicles\u201d raise significant concerns about cybersecurity, since hacking and software bugs are legitimate risks\u2014and privacy is a big question with all the connectivity involved. Leading automakers are heavily investing in secure, high-speed internet connections to push updates safely, but the reliance on software also means ongoing efforts to stay vigilant against vulnerabilities. Plus, frequent software updates might even have an impact on warranty coverage\u2014so workshops need to treat software maintenance as a vital part of overall vehicle care. I mean, it\u2019s pretty interesting, right? The future of cars is definitely heading more in this direction.\n\nIn sum, software updates are now an essential part of modern automotive maintenance. They\u2019re key for improving performance, ensuring compliance with regulations, bolstering security, and keeping customers happy. Workshops that embrace this shift aren\u2019t just preparing for the future\u2014they\u2019re actively shaping it. By offering ongoing updates and protections, they enrich the vehicle ownership experience and set new standards in the automotive aftermarket. It\u2019s... well, it\u2019s a whole new game. Source: Noah Wire Services

Tesla's latest software update introduces a bold new feature that uses AI to pre-emptively deploy airbags, sparking debate over its safety and reliability amid concerns of false triggers and system performance.Tesla has taken a pretty bold, and honestly somewhat controversial, step in the realm of automotive safety with its latest software update. This update, specifically, introduces a new feature that uses Tesla’s AI-powered camera system, known as Tesla Vision, to essentially predict an imminent crash and pre-emptively deploy the frontal airbags. They've officially called it the Frontal Airbag System Enhancement, and right now, it’s mainly aimed at the Model Y SUV. The idea is to have the airbags inflate earlier in a crash—well, before traditional sensor-based systems would trigger—hopefully giving passengers extra protection in those critical moments. According to Tesla’s release notes, this update taps into Tesla Vision’s integrated tech to possibly boost crash protection beyond what’s been standard—so, basically, trying to get ahead of accidents through continuous over-the-air improvements. This move definitely marks a pretty notable shift in how Tesla is approaching active safety systems. Unlike many other brands that add radar or LIDAR sensors for autonomous driving features, Tesla relies solely on their camera-based detection. You see, they feel that vision alone can be enough—though, honestly, that approach has sparked some debate among Tesla owners and safety advocates. A lot of users on forums like the TeslaMotors subreddit have shown mixed feelings—some excited, others worried. They’ve pointed out previous issues, like phantom braking and inconsistent collision warnings, which makes folks somewhat anxious about the idea of airbags deploying too early—maybe even when it’s not needed—especially in complex situations like coming to a stop at a red light. It’s a small but significant concern: false positives leading to premature airbag deployment could have real safety and comfort implications, and it’s clear that Tesla Vision still has some hurdles to clear in terms of reliability. Now, while Tesla’s safety ratings historically look good, it’s worth noting that their Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems have come under scrutiny following some incidents—and even fatalities—that raised questions about how well these systems perform. The Dawn Project, which keeps an eye on Tesla, has pointed out internal data suggesting that drivers using FSD are, oddly enough, about five times more likely to get into crashes where airbags are triggered. It’s kind of shocking, isn’t it? These figures do raise serious questions about whether it makes sense to fully trust a system with a history of false alarms for deploying airbags, especially in a split second when every millisecond might count for safety. On top of that, Tesla has been rolling out a bunch of other safety-focused software updates recently. For example, they extended the automatic activation of hazard lights after a crash to cover a wider range of vehicles—Models 3, Y, S, and X from 2020 onward—making emergency response a little clearer for other drivers. They’ve also added features like Low Power Mode, aimed at conserving energy when the car is parked, and made some tweaks to their light shows and dog modes—kind of like small, continuous improvements that, in aggregate, make the entire vehicle feel more refined and smarter over time. Interestingly enough, all of this is driven by software updates, so Tesla can keep enhancing vehicle capabilities without needing a trip to the shop. Tesla’s updates are also getting more sophisticated when it comes to diagnostics. They've introduced an ‘Airbags Screen’ in the new Service Mode—this allows technicians and owners to check the status of all airbags and other vital safety systems in real-time, in a more transparent way. That’s pretty important, especially as these systems become more complex and reliant on software. For sure, this is a step toward making sure the safety tech functions properly and reduces the chances of malfunctions—an important consideration when lives are on the line. To sum it up, Tesla’s newest software upgrade is pushing boundaries—both positive, in terms of potentially enhancing occupant safety, and controversial, because of the concerns around false triggers and system reliability. It’s clear the company is aiming to redefine what vehicle safety can be, harnessing AI and rapid software updates to stay ahead of the pack. But, at the same time, there’s reason to be cautious. As these systems transition from the lab and software rollout to real-world use, both users and safety advocates are keen to watch how it performs—particularly, to ensure that the measures meant to protect don’t end up causing harm through false alarms or untimely deployments. Overall, this move fits into Tesla’s bigger-picture goal of leading the automotive world into a future of software-first safety and autonomous tech, even if, as you might expect, it’s not without a little controversy and debate along the way. Source: Noah Wire Services

Emerging virtual prototyping technologies, including Synopsys’ native execution on Arm cloud CPUs and frameworks like SOAFEE, are transforming vehicle software development by enabling faster validation, reducing costs, and enhancing collaboration across the automotive supply chain amidst the rise of electric and autonomous vehicles.Automotive software now sits truly at the heart of vehicle identity and operation, with codebases that in some cases surpass those used in commercial aircraft when it comes to complexity. As electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technology continue to develop, the dependence on advanced software systems has only grown—covering everything from infotainment and driver assistance systems (ADAS) to traction control and powertrain management. OEMs and suppliers are under increasing pressure to cut down development cycles, roll out continuous updates throughout a vehicle’s lifetime, and adhere to strict standards for quality, safety, and security—all while dealing with tighter budgets. Now, traditional hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing setups, although still important, are starting to struggle with the rapid pace and flexible demands of software-focused development models. These systems tend to be expensive, suffer from high latency, and don’t easily adapt to changing needs, often leading to delays due to hardware availability or long revision cycles. That’s why the automotive industry is increasingly turning to cloud-native development methods and virtual prototyping initiatives to speed up software development and testing, all while lessening reliance on physical hardware. Enter virtual prototypes, also known as electronics digital twins (eDTs). These simulate how automotive compute platforms behave at various levels of fidelity, enabling continuous integration, testing, and deployment (CI/CD) workflows without waiting for actual hardware to be ready. This shift allows developers to start software work early—sometimes even before silicon or ECU hardware has been manufactured—thus cutting down overall time to market. Tools like QEMU in the open-source world have shown the benefits of doing early software development on emulated architectures. But, honestly, traditional emulation has its limits. It can struggle to scale effectively with modern processors such as Arm’s Cortex-A720AE or to meet the performance levels needed for cloud-based continuous integration. Synopsys has pushed the envelope with its Virtualizer Native Execution tech, which runs Arm embedded software directly on Arm server CPUs in the cloud—no emulation or physical ECUs needed. This native execution can be roughly 100 times faster than conventional instruction set simulators, all while staying compatible with existing development workflows and tools. The big takeaway? Developers can perform system-level validation earlier and more often, drastically reducing reliance on HiL rigs. By aligning cloud-based development environments with vehicle hardware—say through Arm-native cloud instances like AWS Graviton—software teams can simplify their toolchains, establishing more reliable CI/CD pipelines and embracing DevOps practices. A key part of this evolution is the SOAFEE (Scalable Open Architecture for Embedded Edge) framework, led by Arm along with its partners. SOAFEE emphasizes modularity and orchestrates software workloads for intelligent vehicle systems, promoting interoperability among OEMs, suppliers, and tech providers while helping reduce vendor lock-in. Recently, at Embedded World 2025, Synopsys and Arm showcased how integrating virtual prototypes with the SOAFEE architecture makes it possible to execute complex autonomous driving workloads in real-time within AWS cloud environments—accelerating validation by an order of magnitude compared to emulators, and providing more realistic testing for edge software. Beyond the technical wins, these virtual prototypes bring significant business benefits. By detaching software development from the constraints of hardware timelines, they help cut capital and operational costs connected to traditional HiL setups. Distributed teams can work together and validate code simultaneously, reducing the risks of delays tied to hardware delivery. Plus, native cloud execution minimizes errors caused by architectural mismatches late in the development process, speeding up feature deployment and boosting overall productivity. Alongside these software advances, the broader automotive industry is leveraging virtual verification and validation tools to handle the added challenges of electrification and increasingly complex software stacks. Companies like Siemens are championing digital twins supported by AI and machine learning to predict product performance early on—speeding up iterations and lowering the chance of mistakes. Their Accelerated Product Development suite emphasizes virtual prototyping for smarter simulation, system integration, and compliance with regulatory standards, all of which help streamline development workflows without depending on physical prototypes. Meanwhile, collaborations are pushing the boundaries further with high-fidelity simulations of entire vehicles. Hexagon and VI-grade, for example, blend multibody dynamics simulation software with high-end driving simulators to mimic real-world handling, ride comfort, and durability—all without building actual cars. This approach makes it more efficient to develop driver experiences aligned with safety priorities. Furthermore, integrating mechanical, electrical, and software design into shared virtual environments—known as CVDEs—greatly accelerates EV development. These platforms enable real-time, multi-disciplinary teamwork, letting all stakeholders work together seamlessly on digital twins designed to simulate, analyze, and optimize entire vehicle systems. This integrated approach tackles many traditional bottlenecks in automotive development. To sum up, the entire automotive supply chain—from OEMs to suppliers, logistics firms, garages, and workshops—is experiencing a fundamental shift. The combination of cloud-native software development, realistic virtual prototypes, standardized frameworks like SOAFEE, and cutting-edge virtual validation tools is making product development faster, more reliable, and open to continuous feature updates. These innovations are critical for meeting rising consumer expectations, all while adhering to safety and regulatory standards in a vehicle landscape that’s becoming increasingly driven by software. References - [1] - [2] - [3] - [4] - [5] - [6] - [7] Source: Noah Wire Services