Welding Remains a Hot Topic in Automotive Repair
April is National Welding Month and to celebrate, we’re taking a closer look at this integral step in the vehicle manufacturing and repairing process.
To make this month even sweeter, Solera is in the middle of a major construction project on our new CESVI LIV North America center, a research and training site for automotive professionals. Welding courses, hands-on training and specialized curriculum will be available throughout the year at the center. See the news coverage of our groundbreaking here.
Outside of large manufacturing outfits, welding is still a human process that requires a high level of skill and technical proficiency. But as the industry’s workforce ages, the need for expert welders increases. Here’s your guide to why the world needs Grade-A welders, and what industry partners can do to promote this coveted skill.
The auto industry relies on welding expertise
Welding is critical for collision repair. The various types of welding require different levels of skill and technical expertise, even on a single vehicle. For example, the 2018 Honda Accord has 66% spot welds, 27.3% steel MIG welds and 6.7% MIG brazing, according to Identifix. That’s three separate techniques to master. Many shops do not have the capacity for high-powered, industrial equipment such as lasers or robotics. Repairing a vehicle after its been damaged in an accident takes a skilled welder with an eye for precision.
Training is a top priority
According to I-CAR, 69% of technicians lack welding training or certifications. There’s a major gap in welding education, and an even greater gap in representation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 2% of all welders are women. Meanwhile, the profession is seeing an increase in demand. Luckily, welding training is becoming more accessible with trade programs and specialized courses offered through industry partners.
Solera is piloting its own research and training center, its first in North America, to educate and equip the next generation of automotive repair professionals. With state-of-the-art resources and innovation labs, the CESVI LIV center will be at the helm of vehicle repair knowledge and safety implementation, acting on the data and findings from hands-on, real-time experiments and road tests. The most valuable course for students will be the welding inspection course, where technicians will learn how to determine if welds are quality or not based on OEM specifications and the American Welding Society standards.
If you’re a great welder, you’re probably a great partner
Patience is a virtue; we all know that. What we didn’t know is that to be a good welder, you need to have lots of patience for your craft. Welding is a skill that will develop over time, much like any other. Technicians are challenged to follow the design of the vehicle as closely as possible when working on a repair, so closely studying welding techniques is critical to a quality overall fix. You won’t be the world’s best welder on your first try—you do need to put in a lot of hours in the shop to be decent at welding, and there’s always more to learn. Staying humble and eager to improve are essential to building up your skill.
Meet Aleksi Asikainen: R3PI Innovation Evangelist
Meet R3PI Innovation Evangelist Aleksi Asikainen
R3PI is the innovation hub of Solera, a global leader in intelligent data and software as a service. It’s not your typical office.
At R3PI, we have a passion for the unknown and the yet-to-be-imagined. Every day, we create new forms of intelligence, shape smarter diagnostics and challenge what’s possible in technology. You’ll get your hands dirty in our garage-style offices and experiment with data and diagnostics to build the future of industry.
Today, a fascinating conversation with a lead architect at R3PI. A self-described “janitor,” Aleksi has a hand in everything from early product development to strategy to implementation.
Can you explain what a typical day looks like for you?
Each day is pretty varied. The only constant is that everything changes! At any given time, we’re in early stage R&D with a product and turning another over to the industrial team.
What are the challenges currently facing the industry?
Trucking is facing a huge driver problem in both North America and Europe. Young people just aren’t getting into it. But the technology is changing rapidly. The driverless solution probably isn’t there yet, but we’re thinking about how we can move cargo, navigate high-traffic situations, deliver goods on time, etc.
How do these challenges affect our customers? How do they affect consumers?
The entire ecosystem is changing. We predict this level of change will be similar to what the cellphone was to telephone communication. Once the transition to autonomous cars happens, it’ll change our culture—how we use vehicles and how they operate. Vehicle ownership will change, you won’t even own a vehicle. Cities will change, you’ll no longer need parking lots, gas stations on every corner, repair shops. It obviously comes with challenges for car sales and maintenance and repair shops.
In North America, it’s a cultural thing. A lot of people want to own a car. But there’s a convenience factor to think about: with an autonomous vehicle, you don’t have to wait in traffic, you can be on your phone. You don’t have to pay for vehicle insurance or repairs, because it’ll be a subscription-based system.
What are R3PI and Solera doing to solve these challenges?
There are a lot of different elements necessary to operate driverless cars at scale. You need to manage the fleet, track the vehicles, service them. Repair shops and different service providers have to be able to connect with other cars and carry out operations and upgrades. That information needs to find its way back to whoever or whatever is managing that vehicle. That’s the space we’re focused on. the exchange of information between different parties.
In today’s vehicles, it’s a huge problem. When you’re buying a car, you don’t know what’s happened to it before that moment. Was it in an accident, what parts does it have? Is the odometer reading correctly or was it replaced? One of our focuses is to ensure all this information and data is gathered to a trusted place. We can become a trusted source for that information. Our Digital Garage App is one of these connections points we continue to build on. You as an owner can track all things relevant about your car, connect with your garage, insurance and dealership. Bringing all stakeholders together and helping drivers to keep track of data will help to facilitate ownership changes and make it more efficient. There are a lot of different actors with huge amounts of data. But they keep it for their own purposes, rather than sharing it and figuring out how to make it work for their customers. We think that will change.
How can the automotive industry prepare for the future?
There’s a lot of interest in having networks like these built. But blockchain concepts and data exchange between actors are in the very early stages. It’s not the early stages for the technology, it’s the politics, frankly. Companies tend to be very protective of their data because it’s valuable. But in order for blockchain to work, you have to share it with your partners. That’s a change in thinking. A couple of outliers will start it, and that will spark change in the industry and be the catalyst for everyone else.
Tell everyone at home what we mean when we say “secure logistics.”
Secure logistics is an extension of what we’ve been talking about. How can we build security that takes advantage of all the data we’re getting? Here I am thinking about making sure data has not be tampered with, utilizing data and data sources to prevent and identify fraud and identifying the driver and asset. You will be seeing a lot of new innovations in that space.
3 Steps to Ensure Your Summer Road Trip is the Safest and Smoothest of the Year
April is National Car Care Month and to celebrate, we’re rounding up our hottest tips on keeping your vehicle running in top condition. On deck this week: three steps to ensure your summer road trip is the safest and smoothest of the year.
Between the hot weather, long distances and bumper to bumper traffic, a summer road trip can be tough on your car. Not to mention the ice cream and hot dog spills wreaking havoc in the cabin.
If you’re planning on hitting the road soon, here’s how to make sure you have a safe and successful trip.
#1: Check your tire pressure and tread wear. If you notice your tire pressure is looking a bit low, stop by the nearest gas station to fill up to the recommended level. This number can be found either on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual. Passenger car tires are typically between 32 to 35 psi. Examine the tread of your tires and feel around for bulges or damage. Whether you’re on the road for pleasure or aiming for speed, flawed tires can severely impact your efficiency and gas mileage. Proper tire pressure and tread are the wind beneath your vehicle’s wings.
#2: Check your fluids. The coolant and power steering are usually in easy to reach places—be sure to check your levels and fill up accordingly. And don’t forget to bring a few gallons of spare gas in an approved container. One or all of these things may be the difference between making it to the nearest service station or being stranded in the middle of nowhere.
#3: Make sure the spare tire is full of air and you have all the tools necessary to change your tire. See #1 for the lecture on proper tire pressure. Be sure you at least have a jack, lug wrench and a spare tire traveling with you in the event of a flat. Phones these days are equipped with flashlights, but it never hurts to stow an actual flashlight in the glove box for nighttime fixes. An emergency warning device, like a reflective sign, will warn other drivers and keep you safe on the roadside.
If you think your car needs to be looked over by a professional, consider scheduling a roadworthiness check—often called a safety check or a used car inspection. You’ll never regret spending the extra time making sure your car is safe to drive long distances. As always, the internet is a wealth of information, and you’ll find some useful videos to guide you.
By following these steps, you can make sure your car is as ready for a summer road trip as you are. And don’t forget to follow along on social all throughout April to catch our car care tips and tricks!
Groundbreaking for Revolutionary Automotive Research and Training Center in North America Scheduled for February 21, 2019
– Will showcase an innovative blend of both industry research and expert training
– CESVI LIV NA will feature the latest repair and maintenance tools, equipment and processes for U.S. automotive and insurance industries
WESTLAKE, Texas, Feb. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Solera Holdings, Inc. (“Solera”, “we” or “our”), a global leader in intelligent data and software as a service (SaaS) to manage and secure the automotive, light and heavy truck fleet, home and identity ecosystems, will host a groundbreaking for its research and training center, CESVI LIV Center of North America (CESVI LIV NA), on February 21, 2019.
The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 15580 Highway 114, Justin, Texas at 12:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. Attendees will learn about the development, mission and strategy of CESVI LIV NA from Chris Mullen, Executive Director of CESVI LIV NA, and Tony Aquila, founder, Chairman and CEO of Solera.
Focused on providing factual, credible and documented research, CESVI LIV NA will curate data on reparability, diagnostics and procedures. The center will also disseminate this research throughout training and deliver expert consultancy on advanced technology trends.
Research will span the automotive insurance, collision repair, vehicle manufacturer and vehicle owner industries. CESVI LIV NA will provide insight and deliver tools to reduce repair costs within the North American claims environment. Additionally, CESVI LIV NA will integrate OEM repair procedures into consultation and training that promotes best practices in vehicle service, maintenance and repair.
“This center will add value to the automotive insurance industry. Our research, consultation, technology and training will provide data and insights into the most efficient and effective repair processes; which will then support better residual values and create more cost-efficient automotive repairs ensuring safe vehicles get back on the road,” said Chris Mullen, Executive Director of CESVI LIV NA.
With the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that an average of 76,000 mechanics will be needed each year between 2016 and 2026, the center also addresses the acute shortage of skilled automotive technicians. Once completed, the research-to-action facility, believed to be the first of its kind in North America, will enable mechanics, collision technicians, and assessors of all skill levels, from entry-level to master, to earn additional certifications and gain hands-on training for real-world scenarios on the sophisticated vehicles on the road today.
“Combining research and training makes this center the first of its kind in North America,” continued Mullen. “When technicians, students and other interested parties enroll in CESVI LIV NA, they will be able to participate in industry-leading training that is influencing industry standards through research-driven courses that are continuously being updated and evaluated based on the latest trends.”
CESVI is a network of independent research and training centers available in Europe, Asia and Latin America that are dedicated to improving performance in a holistic approach for all stakeholders addressing many of the 54 points of a vehicle’s lifecycle. With the help from Solera and over 30 years of success, CESVI brings the best global practices fully customized for the North American market through CESVI LIV NA.
For more information about the CESVI LIV NA center, visit www.cesviliv.com.
About Solera
Solera was founded by Tony Aquila with the mission to digitalize and empower mobility transactions across the critical 54 and 250 lifecycle touchpoints of a car, truck and fleet, delivering true transparency and knowledge to all stakeholders. Today, Solera’s leading digital technologies manage and protect life’s most important assets: our cars, trucks, homes and digital identities. The company process more than 300 million digital transactions annually for approximately 235,000 partners and customers in over 90 countries. For more information, please visit www.solera.com.
Cautions about Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the anticipated activities of the CESVI LIV NA facility, including but not limited to, providing, data, insight, training and tools to reduce repair costs within the North American claims environment; integrating OEM repair procedures into consultation and training to promote best practices; supporting better residual values and creating more cost-efficient automotive repairs; enabling collision repair stakeholders to earn additional certifications and gain hands-on training; and providing value and efficiencies to the vehicle collision and vehicle service, maintenance and repair industries. These statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to many risks, uncertainties and unknown future events that could cause actual results to differ materially. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in our business and CESVI LIV NA’s business, including, without limitation: the failure to realize the expected benefits of the CESVI LIV NA research and training center; continued adoption of CESVI LIV NA’s and the Solera group’s products and services; effects of competition on product and service offerings and pricing on CESVI LIV NA’s business and the Solera group’s business; our ability to obtain additional financing as necessary to support our business or operations; and rapid technology changes in our and CESVI LIV NA’s industry. Solera is under no obligation to (and specifically disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE Solera Holdings, Inc.
Related Links
https://www.solera.com
Media Contact:
Olivia Griner
Global Director, Public Relations and Analyst Relations
olivia.griner@solera.com
Solera Acquires in4mo Oy, a Market Leader in Property Structure Software and Services for the Insurance, Repair Professional, and Homeowner Marketplaces
in4mo’s end-to-end property structural claims platform expands Solera’s Digital Home platform, signaling accelerated expansion of Solera’s asset management and risk protection technologies for life’s most important assets
WESTLAKE, Texas, Feb. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Solera Holdings, Inc. (“Solera”), a global leader in intelligent data and software as a service (SaaS) to manage and secure the automotive, light and heavy truck fleet, home and identity ecosystems, today announced that it has acquired in4mo Oy (“in4mo”), a Nordic leading provider of SaaS-based software and services to the property structure insurance and repair professional marketplaces. This transaction will accelerate the delivery of next-generation Digital Home applications for Solera’s customers and property owners.
“Solera’s mission is to create the smartest digital solutions that advance the ways we manage and protect life’s most important assets,” said Tony Aquila, Solera’s founder, Chairman and CEO. Since its founding in 2005, the founder-led company, which continues to thrive on its mission to develop the most powerful asset management and risk protection technologies, is now accelerating its expansion from the garage into the home. Building upon its innovative digital solutions for property claims (which include structural and contents loss estimating, repair invoice validation, predictive analytics and preemptive fraud detection, and personal identity verification and security), Solera is quickly becoming the global leader in innovative home solutions.
With the acquisition of in4mo, Solera will add yet another component to Solera’s expanding capabilities in the digital protection of all assets that are important to our ways of life. “With more than 180,000 building repair claims processed per year, in4mo’s solutions are trusted by many of the finest and most reputable insurers in Europe,” said Aquila. “We look forward to working with in4mo’s leadership team to expand our global property claims platform for insurers, extend our reach into the household and deliver even more innovative solutions to all participants in the asset ownership marketplace at a pace faster than ever before.”
About Solera
Solera was founded by Tony Aquila with the mission to digitalize and empower mobility transactions across the critical 54 and 250 lifecycle touchpoints of a car, truck and fleet, delivering true transparency and knowledge to all stakeholders. Today, Solera’s leading digital technologies manage and protect life’s most important assets: our cars, trucks, homes and digital identities. The company process more than 300 million digital transactions annually for approximately 235,000 partners and customers in over 90 countries. For more information, please visit www.solera.com.
About in4mo
in4mo is a leading property claims solution provider in the Nordics, providing an end-to-end property structural claims adjustment platform to insurers and repair service companies that facilitates claim processing from first notice of loss to repair fulfillment and payment. Its scalable mobile-first technology platform has set the standard in the Nordics, and established strong leadership positions at insurance carriers in Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden, and early traction in Germany. The company was founded in 2007 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, with offices and professional staff across the Nordics, in Poland, and in Germany. For additional information, visit https://www.in4mo.com/about/.
Cautions about Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about: the benefits of the acquisition of in4mo (the “Acquisition”), including but not limited to the acceleration of the delivery of next generation Digital Home applications for Solera’s and in4mo’s partners and property owners worldwide; Solera’s and in4mo’s expanded capabilities to provide asset management and risk protection technologies and solutions; and the benefits and value of products and services to Solera’s and in4mo’s customers, either alone or in conjunction with the products and services of other Solera group companies. These statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to many risks, uncertainties and unknown future events that could cause actual results to differ materially. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in transactions of this nature, our business and in4mo’s business, including, without limitation: the failure to realize the expected benefits of the Acquisition; risks associated with and possible negative consequences of acquisitions, investments, joint ventures and similar transactions; successfully integrating in4mo’s solutions with or into other Solera group offerings, including but not limited to, any Digital Home applications; continued adoption of In4mo’s and the Solera group’s products and services; effects of competition on product and service offerings and pricing in4mo’s and the Solera group’s business; Solera’s ability to obtain additional financing as necessary to support its business or operations; and rapid technology changes in Solera’s and in4mo’s industry. Solera is under no obligation to (and specifically disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE Solera Holdings, Inc.
Related Links
https://www.solera.com
Media Contact:
Olivia Griner
Global Director, Public Relations and Analyst Relations
olivia.griner@solera.com
Solera|AutoPoint to Showcase Its Latest Comprehensive After-Sales Marketing Platform at NADA
Showcasing an expansion of solution suite to include core features in addition to payments, scheduling, messaging, mobility and more
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah, Jan. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Solera|AutoPoint, an industry leader in fixed operations technology and customer retention marketing for dealerships, announced today it will showcase at NADA its latest customer success suite, which will unite its existing world-class Multi-Point Inspection and Targeted Digital Marketing solutions with scheduling, payments, mobility and logistics solutions, and will create the most comprehensive solutions suite available on the market.
The convergence of these solutions will unify the customer journey in a completely new and efficient way. The consistency and quality of the communications are critical to the overall solution and make the experience predictable and easy for dealerships and their customers. The feature-rich suite will also improve the efficiency within the dealers’ service organization by eliminating communication issues and documentation gaps among other inefficiencies that negatively impact customer satisfaction and service optimization.
“Today’s consumers are extremely busy and seek convenient and hassle-free services in every aspect of their lives,” said Javier Velasco, Managing Director. “Our innovative approach to service combines the consumer’s desire for complete vehicle safety and maintenance with an efficient and seamless experience through applications that will deliver consistent and clear communications, convenient payment processing and choice of transportation across ride-sharing, shuttle or rental.”
“A dealers’ ability to retain service revenue from customers is increasingly more difficult as competition in the market increases,” said Tim Hardin, SVP and General Manager of Solera|AutoPoint. “Our expanded portfolio will deliver exactly what dealers need to retain customers, with advanced messaging at the backbone and inspection at the core, as well as additional convenience features throughout aimed to drive increased retention. Customers choosing our Shuttle OnDemand solution, for example, report up to a 40% reduction in operational costs and significant increases in customer spend for service.”
Dealers can take advantage of limited-time offers at NADA and get additional details from Solera|AutoPoint experts at booth #2001S. NADA Attendees are also invited to Solera|AutoPoint’s happy hour event on January 25th hosted and led by Mobility & Logistics Managing Director David Zwick.
About Solera|AutoPoint:
Solera|AutoPoint is an industry leader in marketing strategies, service execution and digital vehicle titling for automotive dealership service departments. It was the first company to bring these critical pieces together and connect them through a mutual platform that enables OEMs and dealers to deliver an effortless, effective vehicle owner experience, resulting in increased customer satisfaction as well as incremental parts, service and sales revenue. Solera|AutoPoint is a business unit of Solera Holdings, Inc., a global leader in intelligent data and software as a service (SaaS) to manage and secure the automotive, light and heavy truck fleet, home and identity ecosystems. For more information, please visit autopoint.com.
About Solera:
Solera was founded by Tony Aquila with the mission to digitize and make mobility transactions across the critical 54 and 250 lifecycle touchpoints in a car, truck and fleet delivering true and accurate transparency and knowledge to everyone. Today, Solera’s leading digital technologies manage and protect life’s most important assets: our cars, trucks, homes and digital identities. The company process more than 300 million digital transactions annually for approximately 235,000 partners and customers in over 90 countries. For more information, please visit solera.com.
SOURCE Solera Holdings, Inc.
Related Links
autopoint.com
Media Contact:
Olivia Griner
Global Director, Public Relations and Analyst Relations
olivia.griner@solera.com
Hollander International Launches Down Under
Hollanderparts.com expands its acclaimed virtual marketplace to Australia & New Zealand auto recyclers
USA (Westlake, TX) | January 28, 2019 – Hollander International Systems Ltd., a Solera Holdings, Inc. company, and the largest dedicated recycled auto parts marketplace in Australia & New Zealand, recently announced the launch of a new dedicated used parts marketplace called Hollanderparts.com.au. This new site will list up to 1.5 million recycled auto parts from over 150 qualified auto recyclers across Australia and New Zealand, making Hollanderparts.com.au the single largest site dedicated to the online sale of recycled car parts in Australia and New Zealand.
We are proud to play our role in helping raise awareness and enable access to quality genuine recycled auto parts across Australia and New Zealand,” said Phil Peace, Managing Director of Hollander International Systems Ltd. “We believe this is a huge step in making recycled auto parts available and easily accessible to the mass market whilst offering a one-stop-shop for collision and mechanical repair centers that want to offer high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable repair at the best possible margin for their business.”
This launch was made possible by Hollander International’s Yard Management system, the largest auto recycler yard management system in the southern hemisphere, and the extensive collaboration of its users. This association’s roots can also be traced to Hollander Parts, the 80-year industry titan of used parts and global yard management. By building off of this expertise, the new parts marketplace is positioned to be the most valuable resource for recyclers in these two countries.
“The launch of the Hollanderparts platform is a high-value impact initiative as we bring access, transparency and accountability to quality genuine recycled auto parts across Australia and New Zealand,” continued Peace. “The platform connects recycled auto parts suppliers with collision and mechanical repair centers to create a digital marketplace with over 1.5 million genuine recycled auto parts from over 150 verified suppliers. Users can match parts based on vehicle make, model and part type, and directly speak to suppliers. In addition, we cover each part with a minimum 3-month warranty and facilitate the transactions with the ability to use PayPal.”
About Hollander
Hollander International, has been supporting the automotive recycling industry for over 80 years. As part of Solera, Hollander International is focused on the growth of recycled auto part use across the automotive industry by providing solutions tailored for vehicle dismantlers to help stock and sell recycled vehicle parts direct to consumers and businesses.
About Solera
Solera was founded by Tony Aquila with the mission to digitalize and empower mobility transactions across the critical 54 and 250 lifecycle touchpoints of a car, truck and fleet, delivering true transparency and knowledge to all stakeholders. Today, Solera’s leading digital technologies manage and protect life’s most important assets: our cars, trucks, homes and digital identities. The company process more than 300 million digital transactions annually for approximately 235,000 partners and customers in over 90 countries. For more information, please visit www.solera.com
SOURCE Hollander International Systems Ltd.
Media Contact:
Olivia Griner
Global Director, Public Relations and Analyst Relations
olivia.griner@solera.com
Solera and MAPFRE Complete the Acquisition of CESVI Brasil to Focus on Training, Research and Repair Throughout the Brasilian Market
WESTLAKE, Texas, Dec. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Solera Holdings, Inc. (“Solera”), a global leader in intelligent data and software as a service (SaaS) to manage and secure the automotive, light and heavy truck fleet, home and identity ecosystems, and MAPFRE S.A. (“MAPFRE”), a premier global insurer, announced today the completion of the acquisition of CESVI (Center for Experimentation and Road Safety) Brasil by the two entities’ joint venture, Solera Technology Centre GmbH (“STC”). CESVI Brasil is a leading automotive research and experimentation center in Brasil, focused on providing insight, safety guidelines and transparency, including training for vehicle repair facilities and their technicians, insurers, original equipment manufacturers, and governmental entities.
“STC’s investment in CESVI Brasil furthers our mission of ensuring complete transparency and safety for vehicle and fleet operations and ownership worldwide,” said Javier Velasco, Chief Data Officer of Solera. “The data they collect and the tests they perform are critical to predicting trends and developing cognitive solutions that address the needs of every person who drives, insures or repairs any vehicle in Brasil.”
STC adds CESVI Brasil to its growing operations on three continents, focused on modernizing the insurance and vehicle repair ecosystems with data-based science, predictive software, and technology focused education and training.
About MAPFRE
MAPFRE is a global insurer with presence on five continents. MAPFRE is the largest Spanish insurer in the world, the main multinational insurer in the Latin American market and is among the Top 5 in Non-Life insurer in Europe by volume of premiums. MAPFRE employs more than 36,000 employees and in 2017 MAPFRE’s revenues totaled almost 28 billion euros, with net earnings of 701 million euros. For more information, please visit https://noticias.mapfre.com/en/
About Solera
Solera was founded by Tony Aquila with the mission to digitize and make mobility transactions across the critical 54 and 250 transactions in a car, truck, fleet to deliver true and accurate transparency and knowledge to everyone. Today Solera, is now a global leader in digital technologies that manage and protect life’s most important assets: our cars, trucks, homes and identities. Today, Solera processes over 300 million digital transactions annually for approximately 235,000 partners and customers in over 90 countries. For more information, please visit solera.com.
Cautions About Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about: the benefits of the acquisition of CESVI Brasil (the “Acquisition”), including but not limited to, STC’s global strategy to leverage data, software to further research and develop new products and solutions; and the benefits and value of products and services to Solera’s, STC’s and CESVI Brasil’s customers. These statements are based on Solera’s current expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to many risks, uncertainties and unknown future events that could cause actual results to differ materially. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in transactions of this nature, Solera’s business, STC’s business and CESVI Brasil’s business, including, without limitation: the failure to realize the expected benefits of the Acquisition; risks associated with and possible negative consequences of acquisitions, investments, joint ventures (including STC) and similar transactions; successfully integrating CESVI Brasil’s solutions with or into STC or Solera group offerings; continued adoption of CESVI Brasil’s, STC’s and the Solera group’s products and services; effects of competition on product and service pricing and STC’s, CESVI Brasil’s and Solera’s business; and rapid technology changes in CESVI Brasil’s, STC’s and Solera’s industry. Solera is under no obligation to (and specifically disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE Solera Holdings, Inc.
###
Media Contact:
Olivia Griner
Global Director, Public Relations and Analyst Relations
olivia.griner@solera.com
eBay Motors to Sponsor Solera’s International Automotive Technicians Network Forum
Westlake, Texas, Nov. 28, 2018 — Today, Solera Holdings, Inc. (“Solera”), the leading provider of risk and asset management software and services to the automotive, fleet, property and digital identity ecosystems, announced eBay Motors’ sponsorship of the International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN)—the world’s largest network and forum for professional automotive technicians and diagnosticians. eBay’s new sponsorship of the technical forum connects iATN’s professional technicians with eBay Motors, giving them direct access to one of the world’s largest marketplaces for buying and selling all things automotive, including access to over 80 million automotive parts and accessories listings.
“As iATN’s membership of expert technicians continues to grow, we want to provide more resources for them by aligning with organizations that value technical expertise and advanced vehicle knowledge. We’re pleased to partner with eBay Motors, a trusted leader in the industry that our 80,000-member network can turn to for parts and equipment solutions,” Cristopher Hollingsworth, General Manager of Global SMR and Enterprise Solutions for Solera.
“At eBay Motors, we’re continuously looking for new opportunities to provide value to automotive professionals,” said Jordan Hettinga, Senior Director of eBay Motors Parts and Accessories. “Through our sponsorship of iATN, technicians are sure to find the exact part they need at the right price. They are also able to leverage eBay Motors as a sales channel for unused tools and excess parts inventory by connecting them to our 175 million active buyers worldwide.”
This is the third successful partnership between Solera and eBay Motors. Previously, the two teamed up to introduce eLINK, which connects automotive recyclers to millions of automotive parts buyers, and Virtual Tech, which provides a hotline to car technicians for automotive DIYers seeking professional help on a repair.
More About Hollander eLINK®
Hollander eLINK simplifies the process of listing and selling parts for automotive recyclers and drastically expands their market by enabling them to sync their inventory with listings on eBay. This simplifies their sales process and enables recyclers to efficiently manage thousands of listings and create a significant revenue stream with far less effort compared to other channels.
More About Identifix Virtual Tech
This service connects the DIY market with ASE certified master technicians. Virtual Tech provides expert advice on how to troubleshoot tough to solve vehicle issues and how to fix them.
Solera
Founded and continuously led by inventor and entrepreneur Tony Aquila, Solera is a global leader in digital technologies that connect and secure life’s most important assets: our cars, trucks, homes and identities. Today, Solera processes over 300 million digital transactions annually for approximately 235,000 partners and customers in nearly 90 countries. For more information, please visit solera.com.
eBay Motors
eBay Motors, a part of eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY), is one of the world’s largest marketplaces for buying and selling all things automotive. The site offers everyday cars for everyday drivers, as well as collector cars, motorcycles, auto parts and accessories.
About iATN
IATN’s mission is to promote the continued growth, success and image of the automotive service professional by providing a forum for the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of education, professionalism and integrity. For additional information, automotive industry professionals are welcome to join iATN at http://www.iatn.net.
Media Contact:
Olivia Griner
Global Director, Public Relations and Analyst Relations
olivia.griner@solera.com
CAP HPI takes top spot at the Business Car Awards
CAP HPI continues to take the plaudits for its products and services, this time at the BusinessCar Fleet Technology Awards – otherwise known as the Techies. Now in its tenth year, the awards recognize the leading products and services from all areas of the business car market – including fleet management, remarketing, daily rental, telematics and maintenance.
The BusinessCar editorial team put their judging hats on and chose winners across ten categories, covering everything from apps to the vehicles themselves. Technology from car manufacturers, suppliers to the fleet industry or fleet operators were all eligible.
A representative from BusinessCar’s editorial team said: “With so much innovation and advancements in technology these days, judging was no easy feat but we’ve selected a winner for each of the ten Techies categories including the coveted Editor’s Choice Award to represent which new tech we think should be at the top of any fleet’s wish list in 2018.”
Our fleet appraisal app developed for customer, Ogilvie, (knows as APPraisal) aims to avoid conflict between fleets and leasing companies over end-of-contract vehicle damage charges. The app allows drivers to ‘self-appraise’ their vehicle. Any damage can be reported and the fleet can be advised on the best course of action for repair or return. The app uses video technology to assess any damage. It auto-populates ‘quick fill’ information and includes a reminder checklist of key items that are commonly forgotten on return. Should a driver be interested in purchasing a vehicle at the end of the contract, the app can provide a valuation, quickening the defleet process.
Not only did the appraisal app win in the Remarketing category, but the app took top spot by winning the Editor’s choice award. A representative from BusinessCar said: “APPraisal tackles a highly contentious area between contract hire companies and their fleet clients. Fleets are resentful if they feel they have been overcharged for damage at the end of a vehicle’s term, while leasing companies need to recover any costs beyond accepted wear and tear. Advising fleets on whether damage needs to be repaired before defleeting avoids any nasty surprises, and APPraisal makes this simple, clear and accurate. The depth of value in the product is why we’ve decided to award APPraisal the Editor’s Choice Award, as well as the Techie for Remarketing.”
Congratulations to everyone involved in developing, deploying and supporting APPriasal.
BusinessCar Fleet Technology Awards
CAP HPI
Media Contact:
Olivia Griner
Global Director, Public Relations and Analyst Relations
olivia.griner@solera.com