Colorado Community College Hosts SkillsUSA Competition in Collision Repair

PublishedFeb. 7, 2023

Aims Community College hosted a SkillsUSAregional competition on Feb. 2 at the Automotive & Technology Center on its Windsor, CO, campus. Nineteen students from Aims and Morgan Community College participated in this competition.

Professionals from Denver, Cheyenne, WY, and northern Colorado were on hand to judge the students’ work and proficiency in various aspects of automotive refinishing technology.

“The judges are people out in the shops every day,” said Mike Hanscome, an Aims automotive instructor and advisor for the SkillsUSA team at Aims.

In addition to getting

Tesla Cybertruck Prototype Sports New Side Mirror Design in Recent Sighting

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Feb. 7, 2023

A TeslaCybertruck prototype was spotted on public roads in Palo Alto, CA, sporting a new side mirror design.

The Cybertruck is nearing early production phases, and according to Tesla’s Chief Vehicle Designer Franz von Holzhausen, the automaker has finalized the vehicle’s design.

It appears Tesla has experimented with a new side mirror design. If von Holzhausen’s statement is true, it seems the company will implement a new, triangular side mirror design that fits the sharp edges of the futuristic cyberpunk-inspired vehicle.

An image

Tesla Model Y Projected to Save Wisconsin Police Department $80,000

Written by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs
Published Feb. 7, 2023

The Somerset Police Department in Wisconsin chose a TeslaModel Y as one of its new patrol cars. While the Model Y crossover is more expensive than several other EVs, Somerset's police chief said it's going to save the city $80,000.

It will come as no surprise if electric cars, trucks and SUVs eventually become the new norm for police departments and other government agencies. There are arguably many more reasons to make the switch than not, such as no tailpipe emissions, better overall performance, no noise pollution and roomier accommodations.

Even if all the

Wyoming, U.S. Government Clashing Over EV Infrastructure Placement

Written by William Johnson, Teslarati
Published Feb. 7, 2023

The State of Wyoming and the federal government are arguing over where the state should place EV infrastructure.

Despite the news in January that Wyoming was considering banning EVs, Wyoming may be far less anti-EV than one would think. According to EnergyWire, the state is staunchly in support of placing EV infrastructure. However, the federal government denied its proposed location for

Day Job/Night Job: Body Tech and Family Start Holistic Homestead in Central Minnesota

By Ed Attanasio, Autobody News
Published Feb. 7, 2023

When technician Justin Brockner isn’t fixing cars, he and his wife, Candice, run a 17-acre farm that has quickly become an attraction for people in Brook Park, MN, and the surrounding area. They call it Holistic Homestead and six years ago, this couple added farming to the growing list of amazing things they do---including parenting three boys with a girl on the way, homeschooling, physique competitions, Candice's line of

Crash Champions Opens Carol Stream, IL, Repair Center

PublishedFeb. 7, 2023

The Crash Champions Collision Repair Team on Feb. 7 announced another step forward in the company's fast start to the year, officially opening a new high-quality collision repair facility in its home market of Chicago.

The local repair center officially opened its doors for business Feb. 6, at 125 Stark Drive in Carol Stream, IL.

As one of the fastest-growing collision repair companies in the industry, Crash Champions now operates a network of more than 55 repair centers across the Chicago market---complementing its nationwide lineup of more than 600 repair centers in 36 states and the District of

Classic Collision Grows in Minnesota

PublishedFeb. 3, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Feb. 3---the acquisition of Gale’s Auto Body in Blaine, MN.

Gale’s Auto Body has had a long-standing tradition of excellence and customer satisfaction over the past 25 years. Its commitment was to provide guests with services and quality that they expect and deserve during the repair process.

“We have taken pride in ourselves on delivering top-notch customer service for several years in the community and believe that Classic Collision will continue that service and commitment,” said Troy Westerlund, former owner of Gale’s Auto Body.

“We’re honored to welcome

Auto Glass Now Opens in Tallahassee, FL

PublishedFeb. 3, 2023

Auto Glass Now announced the opening of Auto Glass Now Tallahassee, located at 2242 Capital Circle NE Tallahassee, FL 32308.

This state-of-the-art facility is the first Auto Glass Now to open in the Tallahassee market.

The team celebrated the grand opening of the facility Jan. 26. The event welcomed local business owners, members of the community and local insurance agents to take a tour of the newly renovated facility, enjoy food and beverage, and connect with one another. Tallahassee Commissioner Jaqueline Porter and members of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce were in attendance to welcome the new business to

‘Unexpected’ Donation Helps OK Family Tied Up in Legal Battle After Losing $1000s to Unfinished Repairs

Written by Kaylee Olivas, KFOR
Published Feb. 3, 2023

A Yukon, OK, family told KFORin December they were out thousands of dollars in parts and labor after the auto repair shop they were working with closed before finishing repairs, but after Jan. 31, they have a new sense of relief.

After News 4 aired the Tomko family's story Dec. 26, Dent Source co-owner Bobbi

Of All Places: SUV Crash Destroys NJ Auto Repair Shop

Written by Jerry DeMarco, Daily Voice
Published Feb. 1, 2023

An SUV slammed into an auto repair business, collapsing the building, in Bergenfield, NJ.

The driver and passenger both fortunately emerged with minor injuries after their NissanRogue crashed at 1:40 a.m. Jan. 29 into Auto Clinic Repair Tech Service on West Main Street.

They were tended to by the Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corps, who responded along with police and firefighters.

To read more, see

Mechanic in Fight for Auto Body Shop’s Legal Name

Written by Kevin Ozebek and Darcelle Hall, 7 News Miami
Published Feb. 1, 2023

A South Florida man spent years building his auto body business, but he said it was all taken from him after he got sick.

Repairing cars has always been in Julio Concepcion’s blood.

“My whole life, since I was a toddler, I was just always handling my grandfather’s tools, and I mean, I was raised around it,” Concepcion said.

So opening up his own body shop in Opa-Locka, FL, in 2013 was the fulfillment of a dream.

...

Court Upholds Minnesota’s ‘Clean Car Rule’ Tied to California

Written by Steve Karnowski, Associated Press
Published Feb. 1, 2023

The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Jan. 30 upheld the state’s “Clean Car Rule,” which ties the state’s vehicle emission standards to California regulations, as judges accepted assurances that California’s planned phase-out of gasoline-powered cars won’t automatically apply in Minnesota.

A three-judge panel rejected the arguments of Minnesota’s auto dealers, who argued state pollution regulators exceeded their authority and unconstitutionally delegated their rulemaking authority to California.

The appeals court concluded that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency acted within its

Virginia House Votes to Repeal Clean Cars Law

Written by Charlie Paullin, Virginia Mercury
Published Feb. 1, 2023

Republicans in the Virginia House of Delegates passed legislation Jan. 25 to repeal a law tying Virginia to California vehicle emissions standards set to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars in 2035. 

Along party lines, the House of Delegates voted 52-48 to pass House Bill 1378, carried by Del. Tony Wilt, R-Rockingham. 

Wilt’s bill faces a rocky road in the Senate, where Democrats have killed several Republican bills aimed at the same goal. Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, has said any bill to repeal the California emissions law that comes

PA Woman Rejects Auto Companies' Attempts to Dismiss Claims

By Nicholas Malfitano, Pennsylvania Record
Published Feb. 1, 2023

Counsel for a Western Pennsylvania woman who suffered third-degree burns over 70% of her body in a motor vehicle crash more than two years ago has refuted denials of liability from two of the defendants named in the subsequent litigation.

Payton Renee Balogh of Homer City, PA, first filed suit in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas on Sept. 20 versus Mazda Motor Corporation of Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda Motor of America, Inc. in Irvine, CA, Starter Cars in Altoona, PA, and Sutliff Auto Group of Harrisburg, PA.

The suit said

Crash Champions Hosts More Than 25 First Responders at NABC F.R.E.E. Event in Branson, MO

PublishedFeb. 1, 2023

Crash Champions hosted more than 25 local first responders at its Branson, MO, repair center Jan. 21 as part of the National Auto Body Council's (NABC®) First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) event.   

Emergency first responders from seven agencies took part in the training, which provides the latest in life-saving extrication techniques using donated vehicles and state-of-the-art equipment. 

"We are always proud to join hands with the NABC and participate in the good work they do in our communities," said Matt Ebert, founder and CEO

NY Auto Body Students Benefit from Wreck/Rebuild Program

PublishedJan. 31, 2023

The auto body wreck/rebuild program continues to benefit Alfred State College (ASC) students in Alfred, NY, preparing for their career with hands-on education experiences.

Under the guidance of instructors CJ Tremper and Brad Smith, students in the auto body program enhance their skill sets by fixing wrecked vehicles to gain insight into what it is like to work inside a live collision shop. Currently there are six cars in the shop being repaired.

Student Mikal Smith enjoys being part of this program.

“I like being hands-on," Smith said. "We have lectures and go

California Considers Authorizing Self-Driving Semi-Trucks

Written by Maggie Angst, The Sacramento Bee
Published Jan. 31, 2023

Following years of pleadings from the autonomous vehicle industry, California officials are revisiting a statewide policy that prohibits self-driving semi-trucks and big rigs on its roads. 

Should California regulators decide to open the floodgates, two state legislators are pushing to limit any potential fallout. Asm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, on Jan. 26 filed new legislation requiring a trained individual behind the wheel in any autonomous vehicle that weighs more than 10,001 pounds. Asm. Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, and Asm. Ash Kalra, D-San Jose,

Seattle Receives $25.6M Federal Grant for Traffic Safety Improvements

Written by Spencer Pauley, The Center Square
Published Jan. 31, 2023

The city of Seattle’s traffic safety plan is receiving a boost through an expected $25.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The federal grant is dedicated to traffic safety projects in underserved neighborhoods with higher rates of fatal and serious injury crashes. The city applied for the DOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All grant in 2021 to help fund traffic safety improvements. The city announced it had received the grant Jan. 30.

Seattle’s Vision Zero plan looks to end traffic deaths and serious injuries on city streets by 2030. The

Auto Thefts Will Be Felonies Regardless of Value of Vehicle in New Colorado Bill

Written by Joe Mueller, The Center Square
Published Jan. 31, 2023

A bipartisan bill introduced in the Colorado Senate would make all automobile thefts felonies and eliminate penalties based on the value of a stolen vehicle.

Senate Bill 23-097, sponsored by Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Sen. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, was introduced Jan. 30. The duo held a press conference at the capitol and were joined by members of law enforcement, civic leaders and district attorneys in praising the legislation for its support of crime victims.

“Right now, the severity of the penalty for

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2023 Sees Big Sales

Written by Steven Symes, Motorious
Published Jan. 31, 2023

Over nine days, the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction brought in huge crowds as hundreds of lots crossed the auction block. Many highlights made for another memorable year at Arizona’s largest car auction, which brought in more than $184.2 million in vehicle sales.

The top slot in the auction went to a gray FerrariF40, which hammered at $2.75 million Jan. 28. Other lots that exceeded the million dollar mark included a 2005 PorscheCarrera GT at $1.6 million and a 2019 FordGT at $1.32 million.

Another big ticket item was a 1966 ShelbyGroup II

Michigan Auto Instructor Named ASE Instructor of the Year

PublishedJan. 31, 2023

Juwan Willis Sr., a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified automotive technician from Pontiac, MI, was honored with the Byrl Shoemaker/ASE Education Foundation Instructor of the Year award, presented in late 2022 at the ASE Board of Governors meeting in San Diego, CA.

“Juwan, who is an automotive instructor and the four-campus program teacher leader at Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northeast in Pontiac, is one of the outstanding ASE Certified professionals recognized annually by different segments of the automotive service and repair industry,” said Tim Zilke,

Utah Dealership Receives National Sustainability Award

PublishedJan. 31, 2023

Cox Automotive presented its annual Leader in Sustainability Award to Mark Miller Subaru, a dealership with two locations serving communities along the Wasatch Front in north-central Utah and throughout the state.

The Cox Automotive Leader in Sustainability Award recognizes a dealership for outstanding in-dealership sustainability programs related to waste reduction, energy or water conservation and focused on innovation, creativity and engagement with its employees and the community.

Cox Automotive President Steve Rowley presented the award during NADA Show 2023 in Dallas.

"I am

Cox Automotive Presents Woman of the Year Award, $10,000 Scholarship

PublishedJan. 31, 2023

Cox Automotive presented its annual Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award to Beth Beans Gilbert, vice president at Fred Beans Automotive Group, headquartered in Doylestown, PA. 

Fred Beans Automotive Group is one of the largest privately owned automotive groups in Pennsylvania, with nearly 1,800 employees and more than $1 billion in annual sales.

Named after Barbara Cox, the late co-owner of Cox Enterprises and daughter of the company's founder, this honor is awarded to women who demonstrate business leadership, community advocacy

CAA Capitol Chapter Meeting Features BAR Presentation

PublishedJan. 31, 2023

The CAACapitol chapter held a successful meeting Jan. 10 in Sacramento, CA, featuring a presentation from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR.)

With many auto body shop owners, managers and employees in attendance, the topic of storage was discussed.

During the Q&A many issues were addressed such as when a shop can begin charging storage fees, what is considered a “reasonable” storage fee, how and when a lien arises and more.

A copy of the presentation given by Matt Gibson of the BAR can be found ...

Supply Chain Affecting PA Auto Repair Shops

Written by Elizabeth Worthington, WNEP News
Published Jan. 31, 2023

Like any small business owner, Rich Banks doesn't like turning away customers. He's been running Pocono Motion Body Shop in Stroud Township, PA, for nearly 40 years.

For the last two to three years, he hasn't been able to fix every car that's shown up in his garage.

"It's been very difficult. The supply chain is just not good."

For example, an SUV in the shop needed a new hood. Banks says he found one on the West Coast. It was three weeks before the hood arrived at the shop. When it's all said and done, this customer should have the vehicle back

Ohio Repair Shop Says ‘Fix a Car for a Hero’ a Success, Hopes to Expand

Written by Stacey Myers Cook, Hometown Stations
Published Jan. 31, 2023

An Ohio auto repair shop said its "Fix a Car for a Hero" project was a success.

Auto Medic of Lima, OH, was able to fix five vehicles as part of the project. The shop asked for veterans to sign up in October if they needed car repairs. They received applications and picked those for repairs. 

Auto Medic fixed everything from brakes and shocks to sensors and tie rods, serving veterans of the U.S. Air Force, Army and Marine Corps. 

The team donated 29 hours of labor and more than $2,000 in

Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show Set for May 19-20

PublishedJan. 31, 2023

Following the huge success of the inaugural Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show in 2022, the auto body associations of Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota and the Iowa Collision Repair Association are doubling the size of the event for 2023. 

The 2023 Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show and Conference will be held May 19-20 in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, KS, again at the Overland Park Convention Center. 

To register, go to www.midwesttradeshow.org. 

Co-coordinators Janet

NOVA Community College Looking for Collision Repair, Auto Tech Instructors

PublishedJan. 30, 2023

The future of the industry depends on continued interest in the field of collision repair. That interest can be fueled by strong programs in our schools. Industry impact requires intentional involvement.

Who do you know who might be right to invest in the next generation of collision repair professionals by becoming an instructor?

Two opportunities are available at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA.) NOVA is looking far and wide for the best candidates to train hundreds of new techs and help advance their ability to connect with the best employers. Please share these postings with anyone who you think

Tesla Model S Catches Fire Unexpectedly, Crews Struggle to Extinguish

Written by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs
Published Jan. 30, 2023

According to Metro Fire of Sacramento, a TeslaModel S electric sedan caught fire unexpectedly while it was moving at highway speeds in California. 

Thankfully, no one was injured by the blaze, but it was difficult for the trained crews to extinguish it.

While EV fires are few and far between compared to gas car fires, they tend to get a lot of attention, and for good reason. EV fires burn extremely hot and often turn into huge blazes rather quickly, sometimes engulfing the cars in flames. Meanwhile, the fire is difficult to put out, and it can reignite over and

Iowa Auto Repair Shop Fined by EPA for Alleged ‘Defeat Device’ Violations

PublishedJan. 30, 2023

Sibley, IA, auto repair shop Turbocharged Performance LLC will pay a $30,000 civil penalty for allegedly tampering with car engines to render emissions controls inoperative, in violation of the federal Clean Air Act.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company sold or installed so-called “defeat devices” on at least 581 occasions.

“The installation of defeat devices or any illegal tampering of auto emissions controls is both a violation of federal law and a significant contributor of harmful air pollution,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s