FTC = Failure To Clarify, Chargers On The Mend, Elementary Collision Repair

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Episode #1313: An FTC webinar that raised more questions than answers, a new fix for broken EV chargers, plus collision repair education starting in elementary school.

• The much anticipated webinar hosted by NADA to, which included an FTC representative, left thousands of dealers and industry partners frustrated and provided no additional clarification on advertising rules.

  • According to a recap email sent out by industry compliance company, ComplyAuto:

    • The FTC's stated goal is to "level the playing field" for dealers who are already advertising correctly.

    • The FTC refused to answer NADA's questions. FTC official Helen Clark declined to respond, offering nothing beyond what was already in the warning letters, but stated the questions will be considered.

    • NADA raised key issues that went unanswered: whether federal law preempts state doc fee laws (those that allow or require exclusion), whether MSRP can still be advertised, whether a less prominent conditional price is permissible, and liability for third-party lead provider websites.

    • NADA pushed back, noting consent decrees go above and beyond the law and bind only the settling party.

    • Bottom line: nothing new was provided. All open questions remain unanswered.

• Everged is taking aim at one of EV adoption’s biggest headaches: broken public chargers. Its new Zero Cost Swap Program replaces outdated or non-working units with fully managed, modern equipment, giving site hosts a way to fix reliability issues without upfront costs.

  • The program targets aging or unsupported chargers that often get stranded when providers exit the market.

  • Everged covers removal, installation, and activation of new Level 2 or DC fast chargers.

  • Ongoing support includes 24/7 monitoring, maintenance, and real-time diagnostics to maximize uptime.

  • Many swaps can reuse existing electrical infrastructure, speeding deployment and avoiding new permits.

  • Everged President James Dion said, “We are so confident in our technology stack that…we all win: our site hosts, EV drivers, and Everged.”

• Collision repair education is starting earlier than ever, like elementary school early. Instructor Jerry Weston Jr. is teaching kids as young as five basic tools and hands-on skills, tackling a surprising problem: many students lack even the most fundamental mechanical knowledge.

  • After-school programs are reaching students ages 5 to 13, introducing tools and repair concepts years before high school.

  • Weston says he now has to teach basics like how to properly use a screwdriver, showing a sharp decline in foundational skills.

  • Early exposure helps kids discover interests through hands-on tasks like dent removal, polishing, and painting.

  • Programs are using engaging tech like VR paint simulators to make learning safe, fun, and accessible for younger students.

  • Weston: “The more exposure they get, the stronger the future of the industry will be.”

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