Crash Champions Acquires Northern California MSO Stymeist Collision Centers

PublishedJan. 23, 2023

Crash Champions on Jan. 23 announced it is continuing its fast start to the new year with the acquisition of Stymeist Collision Centers.

Stymeist Collision Centers operates a lineup of four high-quality collision repair centers in Northern California. The acquisition expands Crash Champions’ leading California network to more than 100 repair centers across the state, complementing its nationwide lineup of more than 600 repair centers in 36 states.

The acquisition officially closed Jan. 20.

“Welcoming the Stymeist Collision Centers team to Crash Champions is another stride forward in

Court Rules Rivian, Lucid May Sell Vehicles Direct to Consumers in Illinois

Written by Seyfarth Shaw, JD Supra
Published Jan. 20, 2023

On Dec. 19, an Illinois state trial court issued an order dismissing, with prejudice, a complaint filed by the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association (IADA) and numerous individual franchised dealers against Rivian, Lucidand the Illinois Secretary of State.

Rivian and Lucid are EV manufacturers that sell their vehicles direct to consumers rather than through franchised dealers. In 2021, the Secretary of State granted Rivian and Lucid motor vehicle dealer licenses allowing them to sell their vehicles directly in Illinois.

In their complaint,

Classic Collision Adds 40th Florida Location

PublishedJan. 20, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Jan. 20---the acquisition of R&R CARSTAR Collision franchise in Apopka, FL.

R&R has been dedicated for the past 35 years to quality and serving its customers’ needs throughout the vehicle repair.

“Our goal has been to provide exceptional customer service, and I know that Classic Collision’s customer service and quality focus will continue to serve my community well,” said John O’Hara, former owner of R&R CARSTAR Collision Center.

“We’re honored to welcome the R&R CARSTAR Collision team to the Classic family,” said Toan

WyoTech's $16M Expansion Brings a Need for More Instructors

PublishedJan. 19, 2023

WyoTech, a leading U.S. automotive, diesel and collision trade school, seeks new instructors, following the construction of a new $16 million, 90,000-square foot expansion to its Laramie, WY, campus.

Completed in November 2022, the expansion allows the school to increase its capacity to 1,200 students.

Between 2018 and 2021, enrollment at WyoTech increased by 2,300%, prompting the need for additional space. The school's current student enrollment is 850 students.

With this expansion, WyoTech is seeking new instructors to join its team and help provide the highest quality education to its students. The school is looking

Blaze Destroys Auto Repair Shop Outside Kirksville, MO

Written by John Garlock, KTVO
Published Jan. 19, 2023

Fire destroyed a northeast Missouri automotive and small engine repair shop.

The blaze at L&S Repair on Michigan Trail just west of Kirksville, MO, was reported around 11 p.m. Jan. 17.

Owner Lee Miller posted on Facebook on Jan. 18 he lost everything in the fire.

To read more, see KTVO.

As Car Parts Take Long to Come In, Repairs are Delayed in North Dakota

Written by Lauren Davis, KXNET
Published Jan. 19, 2023

Need a repair on your car, but the part still needs to come in?

Car repairs are delayed more than usual in North Dakota right now, and over the last two years, it’s been taking longer and longer to complete the repairs.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted a lot of things, but an issue still relevant now is its effect on cars.

There was a shortage of cars, computer chips and even auto parts. And at Outback Autobody in Minot, ND, it’s no different.

“It actually was OK during COVID because there wasn’t a lot of people driving and having accidents, but

Man Shot, Killed During Argument Inside Philly Auto Body Shop

Written by Dan Stamm, NBC 10 Philadelphia
Published Jan. 19, 2023

A Bucks County man was shot and killed during an argument inside a Philadelphia, PA, auto body shop Jan. 18, Philadelphia police said.

Police said officers arrived to the shop along Josephine Street in the Frankford neighborhood just after 8:20 a.m. to find Carlos Merced shot multiple times in his chest, stomach, arm and buttocks.

Officers rushed the 56-year-old Feasterville, PA, resident to the hospital where he died a short time later, police said.

...

Virginia Rejects Ford Battery Plant Investment Over Partner’s Political Ties

Written by Dan Mihalascu, InsideEVs
Published Jan. 19, 2023

In December, reports surfaced about Ford Motor Company's plans to build a new battery plant in the U.S. with Chinese EV battery powerhouse CATL.

The states of Michigan and Virginia were listed as favorites to host the new facility, but it looks like the Old Dominion voluntarily dropped out of the race.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a potential Republican candidate for president in 2024, rejected the $3.6 billion investment.

In a statement to The Detroit News, Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter

Tesla Begins Implementing Automated Quality Control at Fremont, CA, Factory

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Jan. 19, 2023

Teslais beginning to implement an automated quality control system at its Fremont, CA, factory to monitor build quality in vehicle interiors.

One of Tesla’s biggest points of criticism is vehicle build quality, and the company has made numerous strides over the year to improve. Tesla began posting job descriptions for quality inspection engineers several years ago, to “apply their experience with vehicle assembly lines and manufacturing software systems to lead the installation and operations of automation camera inspection systems into existing manufacturing

Maine Voters Likely to Decide on ‘Right to Repair’ in November

Written by Caitlin Andrews, The Maine Monitor
Published Jan. 18, 2023

By the time Mainers get their spring tires put on, the waiting room of their local automotive shop might be decorated with political signage.

You might not think who is allowed to repair a vehicle could be a political discussion, but it will be one of the four likely ideological skirmishes waged on the airwaves and roadside signs as Maine gears up for a referendum-heavy year.

Unlike 2021’s bruising campaign over whether Mainers should block Central Maine Power’s hydropower transmission line from Canada from coming through the Kennebec Valley, multiple ballot

Thieves Target Ram 1500 Truck Plant in Detroit Again, Police Capture 7 Suspects

Written by Michael Gauthier, CarScoops
Published Jan. 18, 2023

Factory thefts continue to be a problem in Metro Detroit as a group of thieves again targeted Sterling Heights Assembly early Jan. 17.

The plant builds the popular Ram1500. Fox 2 reported the thieves attempted to steal approximately 10 trucks. However, things

‘Frustrating:’ Wife of Honda Employee Says They’re Under Threat of Eviction After Short Paychecks

PublishedJan. 18, 2023

Workers at Honda of America in Ohio are still looking for missing money and the company is now admitting to employees it’s dealing with two different issues.

Jan.17 was the day the company had promised employees lump sum payments in an effort to make things right after the previous week’s checks were wrong for many employees.

News Center 7's Mike Campbell spoke with the wife of a Honda worker, who didn’t want to be identified because of fear of retaliation by the company against her husband’s job. She told him they checked their account the morning of Jan.

Alabama Gov. Approves $40M in Highway Projects

Written by Steve Wilson, The Center Square
Published Jan. 17, 2023

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced Jan. 12 $40 million in road and bridge construction projects for cities and counties.

The 33 projects are funded by the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program-II, a program created by the Rebuild Alabama Act. 

"I am proud to announce the largest round of local funding since the passage of the Rebuild Alabama Act as I close out my first term and gear up to begin the next four years," Ivey said in a news release. "Our decision to address Alabama's infrastructure challenges is paying major dividends in several

Well, That Was Quick: Resolution to Ban EVs in Wyoming Dies in Committee

Written by Kevin Killough, Cowboy State Daily
Published Jan. 17, 2023

A Wyoming Senate resolution to phase out electric vehicles in Wyoming has died.

If it had passed the full Legislature, Senate Joint Resolution 4 would have made it a goal that the sale of new electric vehicles (EV) in the state be phased out by 2035.

It requested that Wyoming industries and residents voluntarily limit their sales and purchases of new EVs.

It failed to gain traction with the Senate Minerals,

Innovative Solutions and Technology Welcomes Director of Business Operations

PublishedJan. 17, 2023

Innovative Solutions and Technology, LLC, a leading provider of collision repair equipment in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, and a top-tier supplier of GYS welding machines, AUTEL ADAS Systemsand Chisumcollision auto body repair tools, announced the addition of Karl Kirschenman.

Innovative has retained Kirschenman for the newly-created director of business operations role, where he will lead the Innovative Solutions team.

Kirschenman is an automotive industry veteran who has extensive automotive experience. He has been a director of technology for an

Crash Champions Acquires Gengras Collision Center in East Hartford, CT

PublishedJan. 17, 2023

Crash Champions on Jan. 17 announced it finalized the acquisition of Gengras Collision Center at 630 Tolland St. in East Hartford, CT. 

The acquisition of the high-quality repair center marks Crash Champions’ second location in the state, following the acquisition of Andrade Motor Car on Dec. 9. Crash Champions now operates a leading national lineup of premier collision repair centers in 36 states and Washington,

Tesla Files for $59M Die Shop at Giga Texas

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Jan. 16, 2023

Teslahas filed for a $59 million diecast shop at Giga Texas, new filings show.

Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas is still moving closer to Cybertruck production, based on recent comments from Chief Vehicle Designer Franz von Holzhausen on the "Ride the Lightning" podcast.

As the facility is

Ohio Looking at Options to Replace Gas Tax

Written by J.D. Davidson, The Center Square
Published Jan. 16, 2023

Calling the gas tax an unsustainable way to fund transportation infrastructure, the Ohio Department of Transportation is studying its options.

Using a $4 million federal grant, Ohio developed a website to seek public opinion on potential funding options. Those results will eventually be forwarded to the General Assembly later this year, according to a promotional video produced by ODOT.

In the video, ODOT’s David Rose said the agency takes care of more than 43,000 miles of laned roadway and more than 14,000 bridges. It has a total of $116 billion in assets.

He also

Wyoming Moves to Ban Sales of New EVs by 2035

Written by Tom Moloughney, InsideEVs
Published Jan. 16, 2023

Change is hard. Humans are creatures of habit and it's in our nature to avoid change. Transitioning our personal transportation fleet from vehicles that burn fossil fuels to plug-in electric vehicles is going to be a massive undertaking.

And as with all new disruptive technologies, there will be winners and losers, as the old tech is shuttered while the new technology proliferates. The oil and gas industry already knows electric vehicles are poised to replace the internal combustion engine vehicles it caters to, and the demand for its products will radically decrease in the coming years.

But that

Farmers Insurance Responds to Major Storm System and Tornadoes in Alabama and Georgia

PublishedJan. 16, 2023

Following a major storm system that swept across the southern United States with multiple tornadoes in Alabama and Georgia, Farmers Insurance mobilized its Catastrophe Response Team to assist impacted customers with claims.

Customers in the area who have sustained damage as a result of the storm can file a claim by:

• Visiting Farmers.com, Foremost.com or

Tesla Giga Texas Steps Towards Cybertruck Production with More Equipment Deliveries

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published Jan. 13, 2023

To say Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas is a busy site these days would be an understatement.

Per recent images and footage taken of the facility, Tesla’s Austin factory continues to be abuzz with activity, from construction to vehicle production to the installation of

Oka’s Collision Centers of Hawaii Purchases Island Fender in Honolulu, HI

PublishedJan. 13, 2023

Oka’s Collision Centers of Hawaii, a family-owned company with more than 50 years in business, announced the purchase of Island Fender in Honolulu, HI. The company also owns Oka’s Auto Body in Waipahu, a town in Oahu.

“We are very excited to have purchased Island Fender and grow our company,” said Brandon Okahara, co-owner of Oka’s Collision Centers of Hawaii. “We look forward to the challenges and the added opportunities to build on the foundation that our family has built over the years."

Oka’s Auto Body was established in 1965 by Eddie Okahara. Over

More Tesla Semis Ready to Deliver After Final Inspections

Written by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs
Published Jan. 13, 2023

More newly completed TeslaSemis were seen at the automaker's Nevada facility, reportedly being readied for delivery. 

Tesla still owes PepsiComany more electric Semis, and while a great deal was learned at the recent electric semi-truck delivery event, there are still many unanswered

Honda Formalizes Ohio-Based Joint Venture with LG Energy Solution

Written by William Johnson, Teslarati
Published Jan. 13, 2023

Hondaand LG Energy Solutionhave announced a $3.5 billion battery production joint venture, to be built in Ohio over the coming two years.

As Honda’s automotive sales have shrunk dramatically over the past year, the company has begun to look at EVs with renewed interest. And to produce its upcoming lineup of EVs, Honda has partnered with LG to produce battery cells at a new facility in Jeffersonville, OH.

According to the press release from the two companies, they have pledged a combined total of $3.5 billion for the construction of the battery plant. The

Toyota Offers Payment Relief to Customers Affected by CA Storms

PublishedJan. 13, 2023

Toyota Financial Services (TFS) announced it is offering payment relief options to its customers affected by the recent storms in California.

This broad outreach includes any Toyota Financial Services (TFS) or Lexus Financial Services (LFS) customers in the designated disaster areas.

Toyota Financial Services cares about the safety and well-being of its customers and wants to help those suffering from this natural disaster. Impacted lease and finance customers residing in the affected areas may be eligible to take advantage of several payment relief options, some of which include extensions and lease

NOVUS Glass Announces Mobile Franchise in Bozeman, MT

PublishedJan. 13, 2023

NOVUS Glass is pleased to announce the addition of NOVUS Glass of Bozeman, MT, providing mobile auto glass services to the Greater Bozeman communities.

NOVUS Glass of Bozeman offers reliable and convenient mobile auto glass services to drivers in the Greater Bozeman area. The services offered include windshield repair, auto glass replacement, Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) services, headlight restoration, windshield wiper replacement and water repellant

Provo, UT, Woman Receives Refurbished Vehicle Through NABC Recycled Rides Program

PublishedJan. 13, 2023

Just before Christmas, a deserving Provo, UT, mother experienced a life-changing event---the presentation of a vehicle to provide her independence and the ability to work and take care of her son---thanks to Cascade Collision Repair, GEICOand the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program.

The presentation was held at Cascade Collision Repair at 1155 S. State St. in Provo, UT.

Natalie Amalathithada received a 2016 VolkswagenJetta, donated by GEICO and refurbished by Cascade Collision Repair and other vendors who helped bring the vehicle

GA Legislative Study Committee Endorses Pilot Mileage Tax Program

Written by T.A. DeFeo, The Center Square
Published Jan. 11, 2023

The Joint Study Committee on the Electrification of Transportation has endorsed the Georgia Department of Transportation’s pilot program taxing motorists based on vehicle miles traveled.

Charging a mileage tax would recoup what state leaders see as a potential loss in revenue via the gas tax. Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, suspended the gas tax to help Georgians counter rising inflation.

So far, the state hasn’t seen much of an impact from not collecting the gas tax, which typically totals about $170 million per month. The state has seen its other revenues

Highway Fatalities Decline in Alabama in 2022

Written by Brent Addleman, The Center Square
Published Jan. 11, 2023

Highway traffic fatalities declined in Alabama last year.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency announced Jan. 5 there were 19 fewer highway fatalities in 2022 than the previous year. In 2022, Alabama had 586 highway fatalities.

However, there were 14 traffic deaths investigated by Highway Patrol Division officers over the nine-day holiday period at the end of the year.

“We would like to thank the motoring public for their diligence and continuous efforts in assisting law enforcement, which enabled ALEA troopers to reduce the number of traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities,

Former OKC Auto Repair Owner Allegedly Threatens Customer for Trying to Get Car Back After Waiting Months on Repair

Written by Kaylee Olivas, KFOR
Published Jan. 11, 2023

Update Jan. 10: Phil Jackson said he was able to retrieve his car late Jan. 9 after KFORaired the story. He said he was also told via text message by the owner of Blockheads Auto Repair, Travis Harrison, that he’ll get his engine back and a reimbursement.

“Thank you for everything,” Jackson told KFOR.

Original article:

A man in Bethany, OK, said he dropped off his car with a former Oklahoma City auto repair shop in February 2022 for an engine rebuild, but now, almost a year