Monthly Content Summary

Hello Reader!


This month we're trying to save you money, letting you know about Employee Retention Tax Credits and our newly available Financing options.


We also detail the Honda Nissan Break-up - 'It's not me, it's you.' Check out our CAS Employee (Pet) Directory.


Our Backroom Specials are still on sale - a CAN Test Box and a CA15 Scope Meter.


Our Tech Tip this month talks about THE BIG SIX and their updated VCIs.

Newsletter Index



⚙️Employee Retention Credit


⚙️Honda and Nissan are single again


⚙️Financing is here!



⚙️CAS Employee Pet Directory


⚙️Backroom Specials - CAN Test Box, and a CA15 Scope meter


⚙️C.A.S Catalog Link


⚙️Tech Tip - Interface Updates

Click here to watch a recent podcast presented by Babcox Publishing discussing the benefits of using OEM Scan Tools

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Your Shop May Qualify for Thousands in Tax Credits?

If your shop kept employees on payroll during COVID-19, you could still claim the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)—a refundable tax credit worth up to $21,000 per employee. Many small to medium-sized businesses, including auto repair shops, qualify but don’t even realize it. Don’t leave money on the table!


The ERC was created under the CARES Act to reward businesses that retained employees during the pandemic. Unlike a loan, the ERC does not need to be repaid and can still be claimed retroactively, but the deadline is approaching fast.


How Much Can Your Shop Get?

  • For 2021: The credit covers 70% of wages, up to $7,000 per quarter (Q1–Q3), for a total of up to $21,000 per employee.


Even if your shop received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, you may still qualify for the ERC.


Who Qualifies?

Your business may be eligible if it meets at least one of these criteria:

✅ A significant revenue decline (20% drop in revenue in Q1, Q2, or Q3 of 2021, compared to the same quarter in 2019)

✅ A partial or full shutdown due to government restrictions

✅ Suspended business operations due to supplier shutdowns or delays that impacted normal operations

If your shop faced any of these challenges, you may qualify for a large refund.


How Do You Claim the ERC?

To claim the credit, businesses must file an amended payroll tax return (Form 941-X) for each eligible quarter.


Important Deadline:

📌 For 2021 wages: Deadline: April 15, 2025


If you’re unsure whether you qualify, now is the time to check. Talk to your accountant or a trusted tax professional to see if your business can claim thousands in credits for wages you’ve already paid.


Don’t wait—once the deadline passes, you won’t be able to claim the ERC!!


For more details, visit the IRS website or consult a tax professional to ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to.

"It's not me, it's you." Honda and Nissan are single again

Honda and Nissan have decided to call merger talks quits after a couple months in a union that would have created the world's third largest automaker. Nissan had suffered a 93% net profit drop in the first half of 2024 and lost thousands of employees, but Honda's CEO insisted the merger was not a bailout.


But rather than integrating Nissan as an equal, the proposed plan would have had Honda as a parent company and Nissan as a subsidiary through a share exchange. Incidentally, the discussions fell apart.


Despite the termination of potential merger, the companies say they will continue to collaborate and capitalize on the era of intelligent and electric vehicles.


Thankfully CAS still carries tools for both Honda and Nissan!


Read more here: Original Article

Financing is here!

We have some very exciting news to share with you! There's a new tab on our website and it's found on the top right of our header bar.


Click on Financing Info and it will redirect you to the page where you can get more information or apply to finance the tool you might not be in the spot to purchase outright.

You can also head over to the Buy Online Now page and go right to the tool you're looking for. Since the options are dynamic, the lowest monthly payment changes depending on the tool you're viewing.

There's no hard pull on your credit and ClickLease is available to anyone with a credit score from 550 and up. It's a viable option to consider with your next tool purchase!

CAS Employee Pet Directory

At Connected Automotive Systems we pride ourselves on customer service and the familiarity that comes with longstanding employees. We also are a bunch of pet owners!


We've done employee spotlights before, but this month we wanted to highlight the family pets of those CAS folks working in the office when you call in.

Backroom Monthly Special: CAN Test Box, Scope meter

CAN Test Box

This Break-Out-Box was introduced when CAN communications became a thing. As a BOB you can use this in conjunction with any scope to gain insight as to what's happening on the various 16 lines coming off the OBD connector. The BOB goes in line between the vehicle and your scan tool.


Click below for brochure, prices and user's manual.


Backroom Special Page - CAN Test Box

CAN Test Box Operator's Manual

BUY NOW

CA15 Scope Meter

A great, low-cost scope meter for doing various diagnostic functions where a meter or a scope display would be helpful. This back room special is literally new in the box, never sold or used!


Click below for brochure, prices and user's manual.


Backroom Special Page - Scope meter

Scope meter Informational Packet

Scope meter Instruction Manual

BUY NOW

! CAS Catalog Available !

Click here to download a PDF version of our recently released scan tool catalog

Tech Tip - An Interface Update

At CAS Tech Support we receive calls where the complaint is lack of communication with the vehicle. Although the shop is using the factory scan tool and they have a current subscription, sometimes on some vehicles there are communications issues. One of the reasons shops can be seeing this situation is caused by an outdated interface device.


OEMs release a new interface device (aka: VCI) to handle newer protocols but the older VCI still works on the older protocols. It's when the shop hits vehicles with the newer protocol that the comm issues appear. So, updating a shops VCI to the latest version eventually becomes necessary. Below is a list of the six latest VCI's updates v. the prior hardware version and the 1st MY the newer VCI's were needed. If you want to update any of your VCI's simply call your local CAS rep.


  • GM MDI --> GM MDI-2 (2022)
  • FORD VCM-2 --> VCM-3 (Speed issues)
  • Stellantis Micropod-2 --> MDP (2021/2022)
  • Honda DSTi --> HAC (Speed issues)
  • Nissan VI-2 --> VI-3 (2023/2024)
  • Subaru DSti --> DSTi 010* (needed for SSM4 2024)

* With Subaru we recommend the Subaru Mongoose cable as it works with both the newer SSM4 as well as the earlier SSM3 software.


Finally, the prefect time to upgrade your VCI's is when you're doing your annual subscription renewals. You can add the new interface(s) to the invoice and use our 10 months Balanced Billing option to pay over time with no interest !