Seattle City Attorney Sues Kia, Hyundai for Lack of Anti-Theft Technology

Written by Bill Kaczaraba, My Northwest
Published Jan. 30, 2023

Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison has filed a lawsuit against Kiaand Hyundaifor the lack of anti-theft technology in some cars.

“Kia and Hyundai chose to cut corners and cut costs at the expense of their customers and the public. As a result, our police force has had to tackle a huge rise in vehicle theft and related problems with already stretched resources,” said Davison.

Crash Champions Acquires European Collision

PublishedJan. 30, 2023

Crash Champions on Jan. 30 announced it is continuing its fast start to 2023 with the acquisition of European Collision.

As one of the most reputable MSOs in the Southern U.S., European Collision operates four repair centers across the Nashville and Atlanta metro areas. The acquisition officially closed Jan. 27.

“Welcoming European Collision to the Crash Champions team is another proud moment as we continue a fast start to the new year,” said Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions. “European Collision has served both the Atlanta and Nashville markets with consistent high-quality collision repair

Kia Donates $100,000 to Georgia Tornado Relief Initiatives 

PublishedJan. 27, 2023

Kia America and Kia Georgia announced a joint $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross of Georgia to help those affected by recent tornadoes across Georgia, which destroyed or caused major damage to more than 500 homes in the state and affected at least a dozen team members from Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, GA. 

The donation will support the nonprofit as it works to facilitate temporary shelter and support for tornado victims. In addition to the monetary donation, Kia will also collect supplies for tornado victims and disaster relief workers.

"We are devastated by the

Rolling Meadows, IL, Wants 'Attractive Gateway' to Any Bears Stadium, So No Cars Outside for Auto Body Shop

Written by Christopher Placek, Daily Herald
Published Jan. 27, 2023

Rolling Meadows, IL, officials may be willing to allow an auto body shop to expand its presence in the shadow of the Arlington Park property---so long as no vehicles are stored outside.

The prohibition on vehicles waiting to be serviced from stopping, staging or parking in the lot is included as a condition in Body Builders Automotive's request to operate a repair facility at 3737 Industrial Drive.

That's on the highly visible southwest corner of Industrial and Winnetka avenues just west of Route 53, where under the bridge

Officials: 1 Dead After Fire Breaks Out at Iowa Auto Repair Shop

Written by Anna Kutz, Laryssa Leone, We Are Iowa
Published Jan. 27, 2023

One man is dead after suffering serious burns in a fire at a Des Moines, IA, auto shop, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said in a press release. 

Des Moines police and fire crews responded to reports of a fire at Metro Motors just before 4:30 p.m. Jan. 25.

55-year-old Tad Costello of Johnston was the only person inside the shop when the fire started. He was working on a car and had to be pulled from the building, according to the sheriff's office. 

...

LG Energy Solution in ‘Active Discussions’ with EV Makers for Battery Supply from AZ Plant

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published Jan. 27, 2023

LG Energy Solution (LGES) said in a conference call Jan. 27 it is currently engaged in “active discussions” with EV companies to provide batteries from its planned factory in Arizona.

While the company did not provide further details about its discussions with EV manufacturers, LGES said it is reviewing investments in building the new Arizona battery plant, as noted in a Reutersreport.

LGES, which supplies batteries to EV makers like Teslaand Lucid, had a successful 2022. The battery maker posted $20.7 billion in

Phoenix Auto Body Shop Raises Money for St. Jude’s

Written by Foothills Focus Staff
Published Jan. 26, 2023

Local body shop owners Jake Morrow, Jake Brown and Gene Boiseau, who own Maaco Tempe Auto Body, Maaco Phoenix Auto Body Deer Valley and Maaco Phoenix Auto Body East Van Buren Street, recently held their first charity car show.

The event raised more than $650 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and welcomed members of the community to check out multiple classic cars, participate in an auction and watch the show awards.

“This is our first time organizing something like this for St. Jude’s Children’s Research

Hyundai Donates $30,000 to Local Nonprofits in Savannah, GA

Published Jan. 26, 2023

Hyundai Motor America announced its partnership with Georgia Southern University and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire, donating $15,000 to each organization. 

The support highlights Hyundai's strong commitment to the state of Georgia, where the new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America is currently being built in Bryan County. Ceremonial checks were presented to the two

As California Sales of Zero Emission Vehicles Increase, Rebates Underfunded

Written by Ria Roebuck Joseph, The Center Square
Published Jan. 26, 2023

At the heart of California’s push toward green energy is the promotion of affordable and efficient electric vehicles.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom set a goal to eliminate sales of new gas-powered vehicles in the state by 2035, signing legislation to fund a number of climate-action initiatives.

The affordability of EVs---which range from around $26,000 for a ChevroletBolt to $191,000 for a PorscheTaycan---is all part of the equation in achieving this zero-emissions goal.

The state supports three programs

Semiconductor Convention Moving to Phoenix from San Francisco in 2025

Written by Cole Lauterbach, The Center Square
Published Jan. 26, 2023

Recognizing Arizona’s growing semiconductor sector, North America’s “premier microelectronics exhibition and conference” is coming to town.

SEMI, an industry association with members across the electronics manufacturing and design supply chain, announced Jan. 24 it would hold SEMICON West 2025 in Phoenix after holding the conference in San Francisco for the last five decades.

“SEMI is excited to bring SEMICON West to Phoenix, a booming semiconductor manufacturing hub, in October 2025,” said Joe Stockunas, president of SEMI Americas,

Crash Champions, NABC, Restore and Donate Vehicle to Palm Springs, CA, Single Mother  

PublishedJan. 26, 2023

The Crash Champions Collision Repair Team joined hands with the National Auto Body Council®, the Loma Linda Children's Hospital and local nonprofit organizations to pull off a celebratory vehicle giveaway Jan. 17. 

The emotional giveaway took place at the Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort as part of the NABC Recycled Rides® program at the organization’s annual charity golf tournament.

The recipient, who was nominated alongside her daughter for the giveaway by Loma Linda Children’s Hospital, received a 2015 VolkswagenJetta. The vehicle was donated by GEICO

Maryland Auto Celebrates 50 Years of Insuring Maryland Drivers 

PublishedJan. 26, 2023

In 2023, Maryland Auto Insurance marks 50 years of providing coverage to Maryland drivers unable to obtain auto insurance in the standard market. 

Since its inception in January 1973, Maryland Auto has been a mission-driven agency, dedicated to making auto insurance available to all Maryland residents and to reducing the number of uninsured drivers on Maryland roadways. The independent state agency currently insures approximately 25,000 Maryland drivers. Over its 50 years in operation, the agency has issued millions of policies to Maryland drivers. 

“When we provide insurance to drivers who currently

Signatures Submitted for 'Right to Repair Act' Initiative in Maine

Written by Nicole Fisher, The Center Square
Published Jan. 25, 2023

The Maine Right to Repair Coalitionsubmitted more than 70,000 signatures on Jan. 19 for a ballot initiative to allow car owners and independent repair facilities to have access to vehicle on-board diagnostic systems.

The initiative targets automobile diagnostic data transmitted wirelessly to vehicle manufacturers. According to the Maine Right to Repair Coalition, more than 90% of new cars are now equipped to wirelessly transmit real-time diagnostic and repair information. However, this information is only available to vehicle manufacturers.

Tim

California to Consider Bills Affecting Auto Repairers

PublishedJan. 25, 2023

It's still early in the California Legislative process, as the deadline to introduce bills is Feb. 17. The California Autobody Association (CAA) released a summary of what has already been introduced for consideration as of Jan. 25, what may be introduced before the deadline and other issues it is monitoring.

SB 55 would prohibit a new or used car dealer from selling a new motor vehicle equipped with a catalytic converter unless the catalytic converter has been engraved or etched with the VIN of the vehicle to which it is attached.

Legislation might be introduced to expand the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Vehicle Safety

Carvana, Illinois Reach Settlement Agreement

PublishedJan. 25, 2023

A settlement agreement was reached Jan. 24 between Illinois and online used-car retailer Carvana, which admitted to violating state law and agreed to abide by new restrictions aimed at protecting consumers.

Illinois was the first state in the nation to suspend Carvana's license in May 2022.

The settlement was announced by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.

"The admission by Carvana demonstrates what we knew all along: that Carvana was violating the law in a manner that was harmful to Illinois consumers," Giannoulias said. "Under my administration, I will do everything to ensure that proper

Michigan Auto Industry Struggles to Hire, Keep Workers

Written by Jamie L. LaReau, Detroit Free Press
Published Jan. 25, 2023

Michigan's auto industry has its "hiring" signs out, but few are applying and some who do quit by lunchtime.  

It is a nationwide problem that's hit small mom-and-pop suppliers and reverberated to the biggest carmakers in the world.

The challenge is serious enough that the Michigan Manufacturers Association has increased its budget and brought in a new director of workforce development to aggressively promote auto manufacturing jobs. 

...

California Wants to Hold Accountable Unreliable EV Charging Networks

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published Jan. 25, 2023

The California Energy Commission is taking steps to increase EV charging networks’ accountability and responsiveness to complaints, as the number of EV owners in the state grows quickly.

Among EV makers, only Teslahas solved the problem of long-distance travel in an all-electric car with its Supercharger Network, which provides a simple, quick and reliable system for the company’s vehicles. The Supercharger Network in the U.S. is still exclusive to Tesla as of writing, so non-Tesla EV owners are required to use other DC charging solutions for their vehicles.

This

Tesla Confirms New $3.6B Nevada Plant for Semi, 4680 Cell Production

Written by Dan Mihalascu, InsideEVs
Published Jan. 25, 2023

As indicated by Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo in a Jan. 23 speech, Teslaofficially unveiled plans to invest $3.6 billion at its Gigafactory Nevada facility Jan. 24, during an on-site presentation delivered by CEO Elon Musk.

Tesla's boss announced the company will build two new factories adding 4 million square feet of new manufacturing footprint to Giga Nevada: the first high-volume Tesla Semi plant and

Study: Michigan Toll Roads Could Cost $10B Now to Raise $2B by 2030

Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square
Published Jan. 24, 2023

The Michigan Department of Transportation has commissioned a study about enacting highway toll roads to raise revenue to fix roads.

The study follows a growing tax revenue hole from increasing fuel efficiency that leads to fewer fill-ups at the pump and more electric vehicles whose drivers don’t pay state or federal fuel tax.

Michigan roads lost out on $50 million in state gas tax from 2019-2021 because EVs charge instead of filling up at the pump.

The study found toll roads could raise a substantial amount of revenue, but estimated capital costs for toll

Florida Senate Committee Discusses Possible Fee Hikes on EVs

Written by Andrew Powell, The Center Square
Published Jan. 24, 2023

The Florida Senate Committee of Transportation met in Tallahassee on Jan. 24 to discuss fees to be imposed on Floridians who drive electric vehicles.

The committee was tasked to work out appropriate fees, depending on what type of EV was being used. Battery-only cars would have a higher fee than a hybrid that uses an internal combustion motor in tandem with the battery.

According to Committee Chair Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, legislation has been filed in 31 states over the past three years to impose new registration fees on electric

Tesla to Unveil Plans for $3.5B Semi Plant in Nevada

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published Jan. 24, 2023

In his first State of the State address Jan. 23, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo referenced Tesla’s reported plans for a $3.5 billion facility in northern Nevada to produce its Class 8 all-electric truck, the Tesla Semi. 

During his address, Lombardo said the central focus of his economic and business strategy is to reposition Nevada as a state that supports businesses and development. Among the most promising avenues for growth in Nevada, he said, is providing incentives for the development and expansion of new businesses and industries. 

Lombardo said he would be

Tesla Asks for Support of VA Bill to Streamline Showroom Opening Process

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Jan. 24, 2023

Teslais asking for help in a new fight against dealerships, as the automaker is pushing for a Virginia House bill to be passed through a transportation subcommittee Jan. 31.

House Bill 2468 would allow manufacturers who have already gone through administrative hearings in Virginia for new sales locations to open subsequent locations without additional hearings. Tesla called it a “common sense solution” that would save companies and the state time and money.

Tesla is encouraging owners and fans to reach out to the House Transportation Committee members to

Colorado Car Thieves Slapped with 90-Count Indictment

Written by Steven Symes, Motorious
Published Jan. 24, 2023

Five people accused of stealing just under $1 million worth of cars and other property in Colorado have been slapped with a 90-count indictment after a grand jury convened in December. 

That’s a big step in helping to deter future car thefts in a state which has seen a decade of increases in the crime, including a 31% increase from 2020 to 2021.

According to law enforcement, Nathaniel Tsosie, Craig Keltner, Justin Jameson, Andrea Wettig and Dustin James operated a car theft and burglary crime

Pennsylvania Bill Defrays Charging Station Cost for EV Owners

By Anthony Hennen, The Center Square
Published Jan. 24, 2023

Electric vehicle owners could see some savings thanks to the state government, but the benefits would flow to the already well-off.

The boost comes in the form of a tax credit, worth up to $2,000, to install an EV charging station or port.

The proposal, Senate Bill 157, is sponsored by Sen. Vincent Hughes, D-Philadelphia.

“While more is being done at both the state and federal levels to make the purchase of EVs more affordable, there are currently no state incentives for the purchase of residential EV charging stations,” Hughes wrote in a legislative memo.

Crash Champions Acquires Crocketts Premier Auto Body in CA Bay Area

PublishedJan. 24, 2023

Crash Champions on Jan. 24 announced it finalized the acquisition of Crocketts Premier Auto Body in Pinole, CA.

The high-quality collision repair center is located at 900 San Pablo Ave. and features a 12,500-square foot production facility serving customers and business partners in the East Bay area. Crocketts has built an impressive reputation since first opening its doors for business in 1979.

“We are proud to continue the growth of Crash Champions across the state of California, and this particular acquisition adds another high-quality collision repair center to our team,” said Matt

As Individuals Return to Pre-COVID 'Normalcy,' Many MN Businesses Still Struggle

Written by Ethan Becker, Waseca County News
Published Jan. 23, 2023

For many, the COVID-19 pandemic and the summer of 2020 is a time that they’d like to forget, and for the most part, people have been able to return to what is at least a semblance of pre-COVID normalcy.

However, many businesses, including those in and around Waseca County in Minnesota, are still facing some serious repercussions from the pandemic.

One of those businesses affected, The Willows Restaurant and Lounge in New Richland, has seemingly returned to the same level of business, but with greatly diminished help.

COVID-19 took a toll

Here’s Where All Those Cars Destroyed by California’s Floods are Headed

Written by Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times
Published Jan. 23, 2023

It’s the smell that’ll give it away.

“You had better get your face close to carpet,” urged Ivan Drury of Edmunds, the automotive information service.

Now take a whiff.

“That gross, musty smell,” said Drury, “that’s a big red flag.”

It means the vehicle probably has been in a flood. Soon, these may be the perils of shopping for a used car in California.

To read more, see the Los

Tesla Cybertruck Casting Molds Reportedly Arrive at Giga Texas

Written by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs
Published Jan. 23, 2023

As Teslaapproaches Cybertruck production, supposed to begin this year, the community of watchers has been uncovering more details on a regular basis.

Now, it seems some of the molds that will be used to diecast the Cybertruck have arrived at the EV maker's Texas factory and

Major Car Insurance Companies Getting Out of California

Written by KCAL News Staff
Published Jan. 23, 2023

Major auto insurers are pulling back in the California marketplace, saying the state's drivers are just too expensive to insure.

Californians are driving about as much as they were before the pandemic, but apparently not as well.

Auto accidents are up and some insurance companies say they are paying out more than they are taking in. But, the insurance commissioner says the facts don't support their claims.

To read more, see KCAL

AASP/NJ Members Obtain Crucial Compliance Content Via Virtual Meeting

PublishedJan. 23, 2023

Knowing how important it is to start the year off with one’s house in order, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) set out to make sure its members have the best information available on how to be OSHA compliant, by inviting Bob Plett of American Compliance Systems to review requirements during its January membership meeting, held virtually.

Keeping a collision repair business afloat in this challenging and ever-changing industry is complicated enough without the stress of OSHA or other compliance handlers surprisingly knocking on your shop’s door. Fines and