AFTERMARKET HEROES
These are just a few examples of auto care industry companies pivoting
to make a difference and help others during this global crisis. Are you
a company "doing good" during COVID? Send a summary and a photo to
communications@autocare.org
to be included here!
Dayco Steps in to Help the Battle Against Coronavirus
Dayco, a leading engine products and drive systems supplier for the
automotive, industrial and aftermarket industries, has taken the
opportunity to put its manufacturing resources into helping those
suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, by producing a vital component in
the conversion of a readily available snorkeling mask, into a
life-saving ventilator.
Read more
Standard Motor Products Donates Snacks to Mount Sinai Queens Hospital
Staff
Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) has expressed its support and
gratitude to healthcare workers for the work they are doing to combat
COVID-19 in SMP’s local Long Island City neighborhood. In support of
these heroic efforts, SMP has donated $1,000 of healthy snacks during
the month of April. SMP was able to set up weekly deliveries to Mount
Sinai Queens Hospital to help them stock their café. This donation
allowed the hospital to extend the afternoon hours of their free café,
which is open to all Mount Sinai Queens staff.
Read more
Safelite Donates 400,000 Gloves, Face Masks to Ohio Hospitals
Knowing the critical need for medical supplies for frontline workers
amid COVID-19, on Thursday, April 16, Safelite donated medical supplies
to two local Columbus, Ohio, hospitals: Nationwide Children’s and
OhioHealth. Each hospital received 200,000 latex gloves and 1,000 N95
face masks.
Read more
Sensata Technologies
Sensata teams across the world have rallied together to support orders
from customers for brushless DC motors, voice coil actuators and
pressure sensors for ventilator applications at a rate of eight to 10
times what the company would normally produce in a year.
Read more
NAPA Auto Parts
Unforeseen circumstances have adjusted the current way of life across
the United States. Rising to the challenge, aftermarket heroes from the
auto care industry are bravely leading the charge to assist those who
may need it the most. The NAPA Auto Parts San Antonio Team is "Making
sure we keep America running!"
Read more
Custom Auto Shops Across U.S. Band Together to Make 20,000 Face
Shields for Health Care Workers
As health care workers across the United States put their lives at risk
to battle the Coronavirus, an unlikely industry has stepped up to help
them get the protective gear they need: custom auto shops. Nurses,
doctors and other health care workers face an extreme shortage of
personal protective equipment, and they are being told to ration face
masks or even reuse them. Shops in California, Nebraska and Alaska are
making the face shields and delivering hundreds to local hospitals.
Read more
ASE Extends Technician Certifications Set to Expire for Six Months
On March 30, ASE announced that it has automatically extended any ASE
certifications set to expire on June 30, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020. "At a
time like this, a professional credential is even more important," the
statement read.
Read more
Parts Authority CEO Donates Salary for Rest of Year to Assist
Employees
Parts Authority President and CEO Randy Buller is "putting his money
where his mouth is" and has donated his salary for the rest of this year
"to help the Parts Authority family endure during these difficult
times." Parts Authority is also establishing a fund that would allow
other senior management and team members within the company to
contribute to the extent that they are willing and able. "This is the
least that we can do," said Buller.
Watch the video
DENSO Produces Face Shields for Local Health Care Providers
To protect front-line workers in the fight against COVID-19, DENSO's
Maryville, Tenn., location is ramping up to make face shields for local
health care providers. Recently, DENSO delivered an initial batch of
prototypes to the amazing staff at Blount Memorial Hospital.
Read more
ON YOUR BEHALF
The Auto Care Association is working tirelessly on the Federal, State
and local level to educate officials on how COVID-19 impacts the auto
care industry and why our supply chain should be considered “essential”
and remain open for business during this pandemic. The following links
provide summaries of current federal and state response efforts as well
as joint advocacy letters that the Auto Care Association has signed onto
with other trade associations impacted by COVID-19. We will continue to
update this section with the latest related government guidance and
legislation.
-
Department of Homeland Security Memorandum on Identification of
Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19
Response
-
Enacted COVID-19 Federal Response Laws
-
Phase 1: The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 6074). Signed into law
March 6, 2020. Purpose: Supplemental appropriations
bill to fund federal agency COVID-19 relief efforts and testing.
-
Phase 2: Families First Coronavirus Response Act
(H.R. 6201). Signed into law March 18, 2020.
Purpose: Targeted relief for individuals as a
result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click here
for a summary.
Click here
for the Department of Labor’s “Families First Coronavirus Response
Act: Employer Leave Requirements” guidelines.
-
Listing of State Emergency Status, Executive Orders, and Other
Useful Information
(courtesy of the Retail Industry Leaders Association)
-
Industry Advocacy Letters the Auto Care Association Has Signed Onto:
-
Letter to Senate and Senate Small Business Committee Leadership
Asking for Loosening of “Covered Supplier Cost” Definitions for
Distributors and Customers in the PPP
(September 2, 2020)
-
Letter to Congressional Leadership
Asking that PPP Loan Forgiveness be Tax-Free as Congress
Intended
(August 4, 2020)
-
Auto Care Association Pens Letter
Urging USTR to Extend Tariff Exclusions
(June 5, 2020)
-
Letter to the Treasury Secretary, the Honorable Steven T. Mnuchin
re:
Urging Additional Relief for Businesses
(April 8, 2020)
-
Industry Letter Urging States to Adopt DHS Guidance
(April 1, 2020)
-
Auto Care Association and AASA
Send Letter to President Trump to Push Efforts to Protect Auto
Industry
During COVID-19 Pandemic (March 23, 2020).
-
Letter to The President, the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, and the
Honorable Mitch McConnell re:
Efforts to Help Businesses Survive the Coronavirus Pandemic
(March 18, 2020)
-
Letter to Mr. Bill McBride, Executive Director, National Governors
Association re:
All States Need Economic Injury Disaster Loan Declarations
Immediately
(March 16, 2020)
-
Letter to the Honorable Mitch McConnell and the Honorable Charles
Schumer re:
H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
(March 16, 2020)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have a question? Email it to
communications@autocare.org
and we’ll work to get it answered, respond to you and post it
here.
The information set forth in these FAQs is intended to provide a high
level summary of the current COVID-19 relief legislation. You should
work with your finanicial and legal advisors to determine eligibility or
applicability to your business.
+ Is there government assistance to pay wages for employees?
Yes, the Paycheck Protection Program will provide loans to small
businesses (fewer than 500 employees) to cover employee wages, rent,
and other essential expenses incurred between February 15th and June
30th, 2020. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, PL
116-136 § 1102 (2020). Eight weeks of these expenses may be
forgiven. (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, PL
116-136 § 1108(2020). The SBA now also considers the coronavirus a
"disaster" for the purposes of qualifying for Economic Injury
Disaster Loans. (The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response
Supplemental Appropriations Act, PL 116-123, § 2 (2020) ).
Applicants will be given a $10,000 advance grant which will not need
to be repaid. Please note that applicants cannot use multiple SBA
loans to cover the same expenses for the same time period. For more
information on these low-interest loans please visit (insert link).
In addition, for mid-sized businesses (501-10,000) the Secretary of
Treasury is authorized to establish a low interest loan program with
an annualized interest rate capped at 2% and principal and interest
deferment for at least six months. (The Coronavirus Preparedness and
Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, PL 116-123, § 4003 (2020)
)
Related link:
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp
+ Will the government reimburse for leave paid to employees?
The IRS will provide a tax credit for sick leave that was paid to
employees as required by the Families First Coronavirus Response
Act. However, there is a cap on the dollar value of that credit.
(Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, PL 116-136 §
7001 (2020)). The IRS will also provide a tax credit for Family
Medical Leave Act leave that is paid as required by the Families
First Coronavirus Response Act. There is also a cap on the dollar
value of this credit. (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic
Security Act, PL 116-136 § 7003(2020)) Businesses may receive an
advance of this tax credit as well. (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act, PL 116-136 § 3606 (2020)
+ What loans are available to help support businesses during this
crisis?
The focus of the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act
(CARES Act) is on providing loans to small businesses (businesses
with 500 or fewer employees). Those loans include the Payroll
Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans. CARES
also provides loan options for mid-sized companies (501-10,000
employees). Here the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to
establish a loan program for these entities with interest rates
capped at 2% per annum with the purpose of retaining 90% of its
workforce. (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, PL
116-136 § 4003(2020))
+ What flexibilities do businesses with fewer than 50 persons have
with respect to the Family Medical Leave Act and sick leave
provisions?
Businesses with fewer than 50 employees can petition the Secretary
of Labor for an exemption to the FMLA requirements if they can show
that compliance would jeopardize the viability of their business.
(Families First Coronavirus Response Act, PL 116-127, § 3102
(2020)). These businesses may also petition the Secretary of Labor
for an exemption of sick leave requirements under the Families First
Coronavirus Response Act if they can show that compliance would
jeopardize the viability of their business (Families First
Coronavirus Response Act, PL 116-127, §5111 (2020))
+ What unemployment insurance benefits have been extended during this
COVID-19 pandemic?
Unemployment insurance coverage was extended to individuals who
would not otherwise be eligible. This "Pandemic Unemployment
Assistance" will cover self-employed persons, part-time workers and
those with limited work histories. (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act, PL 116-136 § 2102 (2020)). Through July 31st,
these covered persons and traditional unemployment insurance
beneficiaries will receive an extra $600 per week in unemployment
compensation. (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act,
PL 116-136 § 2104 (2020)).Up to an additional 13 weeks of
unemployment insurance coverage is also covered after an employee
has exhausted their regular benefit. (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act, PL 116-136 § 2107 (2020)).
Related link:
https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/UnemploymentBenefits/find-unemployment-benefits.aspx
+ What extra steps should technicians take when entering a customer's
vehicle to ensure their safety?
Current evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may remain viable for
hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. When
technicians are working on a customer’s vehicles, they should
consider wearing gloves to avoid coming into direct contact with any
vehicle surfaces and take the extra step of disinfecting vehicle
surfaces with an approved disinfect from the CDC List N. Many of
these chemicals might be too harsh for a vehicles interior trim such
as bleach, hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. The CDC specifies that
isopropyl alcohol can be used but it should be in concentrations of
70% or higher. Using isopropyl alcohol at this level of
concentration could cause damage to leather or porous vinyl. You
might want to take the extra step of contacting a detailing
specialist to make sure that any disinfecting process you implement
will not harm a vehicles interior trim. Some common vehicle surfaces
that will need to be disinfected: Key/remote, Door handle(s,
Liftgate or trunk release handle, Engine start button, Seat
adjustment controls (and seat memory buttons), Rearview mirror, Side
mirror controls, Whole steering wheel, buttons and tilt/telescope
adjustment, Turn signal and wiper stalks, Seat belt buckle
(receptacle and tongue), Shifter, Touchscreen, All dashboard
controls, Any center console controls, Overhead controls, Grab
handles, Armrests, center console latch, Glove box, vents, etc.
Related links:
cdc.gov;
cars.com; EPA:
https://www.cars.com/articles/can-you-disinfect-a-car-against-the-coronavirus-419932/,
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2,
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cleaning-disinfection.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fcleaning-disinfection.html
+ How can we ensure the health of our employees in production,
warehouse, shops?
(1) Companies should look at the
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for Covid-19
documentation . (2) They can also look at our downloadable poster on the
"Operations Resources" tab for a helpful reminder that they can
place in their workplace. (3) This article, while written for Heavy
Duty has excellent takeaways for shops servicing all classes of
motor vehicles.
+ Have auto repair shops, distributors, and manufacturers been deemed
"essential businesses" that are allowed to continue to operate?
The auto repair, retail and related businesses including suppliers,
distributors and manufacturers have been identified as essential
services by the Department of Homeland Security in guidance to the
states. Ultimately the states through the Governor’s executive
authority will make the final determination on what industries are
considered essential service providers.
+ Is there a concern that our "essential business" status may change?
There is no concern that the essential business status may change.
However, states may limit or restrict how essential service
providers perform their functions during this pandemic such as
limiting full-service operations, requiring curbside pickup, and/or
mandating the number of employees and customers allowed inside a
facility.
+ Do my employees need to carry a letter with them stating that they
are an employee at an essential business? Where can I get a sample
letter?
In some states, employers are advised to provide a letter to
employees stating their essential status. The letter should include
details on the essential business: the name of the employee, a phone
number, name of the business, address of the business and a point of
contact at the business for verification purposes.
+ Are technicians considered essential workers?
Yes, technicians and other auto repair workers in the repair
industry are considered essential, per the guidance from the
Department of Homeland Security. However, each state will issue
final regulations on what industries and workers are considered
essential service providers. Please consult with your supervisor as
to your status and/or the Governor’s executive order in your state.
You can find your state’s executive order on the state tracker at
autocare.org/coronavirus, navigate to the "On Your Behalf" tab and
click the state tracker icon.
+ Are corporate offices of these operations considered essential?
Employees who repair and maintain vehicles, and the equipment and
infrastructure that enables those operations in the supply chain are
considered essential service in the guidance to the states from the
Department of Homeland Security. However, the Governor’s office will
make final determination on what ancillary functions are deemed
essential service. Please verify with your state what functions
which are not subject to mandatory stay at home orders or other
restrictions.
+ What do I do if the governors executive order is vague but seems to
indicate auto repair and related services are essential and it doesn’t
specifically say that, but we are shut down?
Each state has a department of emergency management or agency that
is overseeing the guidance and implementation of executive orders.
Please contact your state or the Auto Care staff to help you
navigate these government sources to find out if your business is
indeed essential.
+ Does "essential service" include cosmetic auto repair?
The Department of Homeland Security guidance designates essential
service as those functions critical to facilitating the continuity
of operations for essential workforces and other essential travel.
However, this is guidance to the states and final determination of
essential service status is determined by the Governor. Consult your
states executive order and guidance to determine what constitutes
essential service.
+ Do we have to register as an essential business with our state?
Each state has different rules and regulations regarding who is
classified as essential service providers. Please consult your state
Governor’s office executive order to determine.
+ Where can I learn if my state has deemed auto repair an "essential
business"?
You can learn if your state has deemed auto repair an essential
service by going to the "On Your Behalf" tab and click on the state
tracker icon.
+ Has the federal government declaired auto repair an "essential
business"?
Yes, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Administration
which is a division of the Department of Homeland Security has
issued recommendations that repair shops and the companies that
supply them be deemed essential. However, this is a state by state
and even a jurisdiction by jurisdiction decision and CISA findings
are only advisory in nature.
+ Does a shelter in place order mean I have to shut down?
These orders are issued under the executive authority of each
governor, however, each state has also designated essential
businesses that can remain open even during the shelter in place
orders. Please see your governor’s website for executive orders and
guidance and/or contact the government affairs staff to help.
+ What if my business is closed due by a municipal, tribal or
executive order, and then the state issues an executive order from the
governor?
The state order always supersedes the local, municipal or tribal
orders unless the state defers its authority to the local
government. In that case you would adhere to the local laws but if
the state changes course and issues guidance, then the state order
has precedent. In short, state law always takes precedent over local
laws unless the state defers to the municipalities.
+ How do I operate if my business spans multiple states and workers
have to travel between locations?
If your business spans multiple locations or jurisdictions and
workers must travel between those sites, you are required to review
reach states executive order to determine the central nature of your
business and/or other requirements such as: shelter in place,
mandatory closings, or other information as determined by the
governing authorities executive order. If you have questions, or if
you need help, please contact the Auto Care government affairs
staff.
+ What is Auto Care doing to represent the interest of member
businesses before the government agencies issuing these orders?
The Government Affairs staff is working around the clock with state
and local authorities to ensure that executive orders issued by the
governors or local municipalities follow the guidelines by the
Department of Homeland Security or are amended with language that
exempts all businesses in the Auto Care supply chain. We are also
monitoring federal legislation and working on Capitol Hill to
determine what steps can be taken to protect the industry, member
businesses and employees during this unprecedented global health
crisis. We have updated resources on our web page
(autocare.org/coronavirus), and staff is available to answer any of
your inquiries either via email or phone. We are part of industry
coalitions and we are hosting member communications to clarify and
update relevant information that affects the Auto Care membership.
+ Do we know how COVID-19 is impacting our supply chain? Bow with
respect to imported and domestic parts?
Initial social distancing guidelines decreasd miles driven and
traffic, but we still heard from some members that they were seeing
traffic to service locations. Sales were down perhaps 20-30% (much
more for manufacturers). However, stay at home orders are reducing
miles driven dramatically with mebembers starting to see sales
decreases 70%.
+ With major accounts idle, how is that impacting demand for parts and
service?
Between closures of service businesses, stay at home orders, demand
for parts and service is coming to a near halt at retailers and
accelerating beyond 70% at service locations. Even though our
businesses are still considered essential, consumers don't seem to
find the need essential at the moment.
+ Have field sales and training teams been pulled or are they
contiuing to support shops using social distancing?
This varies company to company, and based on state and local
guidance. However, we are seeing more sales and training teams
pulled and if they are able, working remotely. Companies are moving
to digital platforms for training purposes, and holding regular
communications via webinar or conference calls. We have found that
even though companies are listed and deemed "essential" they are
taking precautions, and enforcing strict social distancing, or
no-contact guidance.
+ Are there any updates on the request to suspend tariffs at this
time?
U.S. lawmakers and the business community are requesting the
administration and CBP to consider deferring duty payments to help
preserve cash flow and continue supporting U.S. jobs.
+ What is the status of product arriving from Europe and Asia?
A few members reported their containers from China are on the water
and en route to a U.S. port. Capacity in China may slow down a bit
due to lack of sub-components. From Europe, members are seeing 1-2
week delays bringing in containers - not massive slow downs, but
slower. The bigger issue coming will be availability of parts as
more and more plants are partially closed or completely closed.
+ Who should members contact if they want to help state/local public
health efforts through donations or deliveries?
If you are able to donate medical supplies, we recommend that you
contact your state health department. Additionally, contact you local Congressman’s district office for
ongoing efforts being done locally and how you can participate
safely.
FEEDBACK
Is COVID-19 affecting your business? Email
communications@autocare.org with your industry segment and story to help us understand the impact
and how we might be able to help.
Have a helpful resource to share with the industry? Share it with us
using the same email as above and we’ll add it to this page. Examples of
resources:
- Links to authoritative content
- Images or infographics
- Videos or webinars