Here’s What Happened in 8-Car Pileup in SF Blamed on Tesla’s FSD

Written by Iulian Dnistran, InsideEVs
Published Jan. 11, 2023

A Thanksgiving Day accident involved eight cars and injured nine people in San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Tunnel. The driver of the car that caused the pileup---a TeslaModel S---blamed everything on the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature.

Now, surveillance footage of the accident, obtained by The Intercept, shows how it all happened. 

The Tesla Model S, which reportedly had Full Self-Driving active, signaled a lane change, moved to the fast lane and then suddenly stopped, without having any car or obstacle in front of

Carvana, Michigan Reach Deal that Leaves Used Car Megastore Without License in State

Written by Jamie L. LaReau, Detroit Free Press
Published Jan. 11, 2023

Used-car megastore Carvanasaid Jan. 11 it is back to "business as usual" in Michigan, but state officials say not quite because the company's Novi location is no longer a licensed dealership. But Michigan car buyers can make a purchase with Carvana online and get a car.

Carvana and the state reached a settlement as part of an ongoing dispute over the state's assertion that Carvana committed violations of the Michigan Vehicle Code, which Carvana admitted to doing.

In early October, state officials suspended the license of the

The Boring Company Posts Impressive LVCC Loop Stats from CES 2023

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published Jan. 11, 2023

The Boring Company released the stats of its Loop system at the Las Vegas Convention Center following CES 2023, which ran from Jan. 5-8.

Based on the numbers released by the tunneling startup and social media posts from CES attendees, the LVCC Loop is hitting its rhythm.

In a Twitterpost, The Boring Company said it was grateful for the opportunity to provide transportation for Las Vegas Convention Center visitors during the high-profile event.

The company included a number of key stats about the system in its post, both during the event and

Northwood University Benefits from Charity Auction, to Honor 5 Dealers During NADA

Written by Auto Remarketing Staff
Published Jan. 10, 2023

Along with highlighting the successes of a classic car auction that raised money for the school, Northwood University announced Jan. 10 it will honor five automobile dealers from across the U.S. with its annual Dealer Education Award at the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) convention in Dallas later in January.

This year’s honorees include:

• Jamar Brinkley, dealer principal, Renaissance Cars, Roanoke Rapids, NC
• Rik Fregia, vice president,

Tesla Files for $716M Expansion at Giga Texas

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Jan. 10, 2023

Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas facility is set to expand by 1.4 million square feet, as the automaker has filed for more than $716 million in new projects at the site.

Tesla filed Jan. 9 for four new projects, according to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The projects are filed separately because they will expand four different facilities. Tesla registered the projects to Cell 1, Drive Unit, Cathode and Cell Test Lab.

According to the Austin Business Review, which initially spotted the filings, the projects will provide Tesla with 1.4 million additional

TSTC Graduate Comes Back to Teach in Auto Collision and Management Technology Program

PublishedJan. 10, 2023

William Graham, of Teague, TX, began teaching in October 2022 in Texas State Technical College’s auto collision and management technology program at the Waco, TX, campus.

Graham is a graduate of Teague High School and TSTC’s auto collision and management technology program.

Recently, Graham talked about his new role and what he hopes students can learn in the program.

What factored into your pursuing auto collision and management technology at TSTC?

I grew up in a mechanic shop with my dad. The first job I landed was at a body shop that a friend

Crash Champions Acquires T Masters Collision Center in New Jersey

PublishedJan. 10, 2023

Crash Champions on Jan. 10 announced it expanded its New Jersey footprint through the acquisition of T Masters Collision Center. The acquisition officially closed Jan. 6.

T Masters Collision Center is located at 847 S. White Horse Pike in Hammonton, NJ. Following the acquisition, Crash Champions now operates four locations across the state and a nationwide lineup of more than 595 high-quality repair centers in 36 states---all providing customers with a seamless experience and written lifetime warranty on repair work.

“This is a great start to the year for our team as we welcome another high-quality

NORTHEAST Named to Magazine’s Top Trade Shows List

PublishedJan. 9, 2023

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey’s (AASP/NJ) flagship event, the NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show, has been named to the prestigious Top 100 Trade Shows in the U.S. list by Trade Show Executive magazine.

Trade Show Executive magazine’s Gold 100 honoree list recognizes the top trade shows across all industries that set a gold standard in 2021 by managing to prevail among challenges set forth by the pandemic. Other honorees named include SEMAand AAPEX.

“There are close to 13,000 trade shows annually in the United States, so we are deeply honored that NORTHEAST has

Ohio Gov. Signs Legislation Defining Natural Gas as ‘Green Energy’

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published Jan. 9, 2023

The natural gas industry in Ohio has gained a victory of sorts after Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation that allows for a broader expansion of drilling for oil and gas in state parks.

The bill, which has been very controversial, also defines natural gas as a source of “green energy.”

A state law from 2011 provided state agencies with authority to lease out state lands for oil and gas exploration and production projects if they choose to. The legislation, House Bill 507, modifies this language. Instead of saying state agencies “may” lease out state lands for oil

Burglars Break into Illinois Auto Body Shop Searching for Key Fobs

By Lorraine Swanson, Patch
Published Jan. 9, 2023

Burglars broke into a Palos Hills, IL, auto body shop on Dec. 30, looking for key fobs and stealing a car that was later recovered, police reports said.

The break-in happened at Caliber Collision, 7727 112th Place, Palos Hills. Police said the burglars left behind extensive damage in an apparent search for keyless entry and starter devices. The business’s security video showed a person leaving the auto body shop and then attempting to steal several vehicles.

According to the report, the burglars managed to steal a Nissan, which officers found wrecked nearby. Police

Theft Plot Ends in Murder at Auto Body Shop in Bronx

Police have arrested two people and are searching for a third in connection with a deadly shooting in the Bronx that started as a plot to steal a vehicle.

34-year-old Aboubacar Toure was killed Dec. 29 while working at an auto body shop in the Morrisania section.

It happened after police say 21-year-old Nasalik Espinosa and a female friend spotted Toure's vehicle in the shop and came up with a plan to steal it.

To read more, see ABC 7 News.

Pennsylvania Spends $15M on Traffic Safety Projects in 20 Counties

Written by Anthony Hennen, The Center Square
Published Jan. 5, 2023

Dozens of traffic safety projects will receive $15 million in funds from PennDOT for pedestrian-focused infrastructure and signal upgrades, among other priorities.

Announced by the Wolf administration Jan. 5, the 36 projects are spread across 20 counties and run from electronic speed signs to crosswalk improvements.

"This program helps communities across the state make important investments in traffic flow and safety," Gov. Tom Wolf said in a release. "These improvements complement the many road, bridge and multimodal projects happening in

Automotive Supplier to Build $205M Plant in GA, Incentives Remain Unknown

Written by T.A. DeFeo, The Center Square
Published Jan. 5, 2023

An automotive parts manufacturer plans to spend $205 million on a new manufacturing facility.

Ecoplastic Corp., a South Korean company, said it would create 456 new jobs as part of the new facility near Statesboro, GA, in Bulloch County. Ecoplastic manufactures plastic interior and exterior components and supplies Hyundai Motor Group and Kia.

"The project is still active," a Georgia Department of Economic Development communications representative told The Center Square. The designation allows state officials to decline to release

Nonprofit Names $1.5B Georgia Rivian EV Plant Incentive as Worst Deal of the Year

Written by T.A. DeFeo, The Center Square
Published Jan. 5, 2023

A nonprofit has named Georgia’s decision to give $1.5 billion in incentives for a Rivian Automotive electric vehicle assembly plant 2022’s "Worst Economic Development Deal of the Year."

The Michigan-based Center for Economic Accountability bestows the honor to a government subsidy of a private company that best illustrates the "massive wastefulness and ineffectiveness of government economic development subsidy programs."

In December 2021, state officials announced Rivian planned to build a manufacturing facility---its second U.S. plant---in

Countryside Body Shop in Sioux Center, IA, Changes Owners, Name

Written by Renee Wielenga, Sioux Center News
Published Jan. 5, 2023

Three rural Sioux Center, IA, businesses gained new ownership as of Jan. 1.

Arlinand Janene Van Gorp sold their businesses---Countryside Body Shop, Countryside Signs and A & J Self Storage---to Sioux County natives Joeland Allison De Weerd.

Countryside Body Shop’s name is now JJ Customs Autobody & Sales. Countryside Signs and A & J Self Storage will remain the same.

“This transition means everything,” Joel De Weerd said. “I’ve been looking to get

Tesla Mobile Supercharger Burns Down on New Year's Day

Written by John Neff, InsideEVs
Published Jan. 5, 2023

Teslaowners charging their vehicles on New Year's Day at a Supercharger station in Baker, CA, witnessed a mobile Supercharger burn to the ground.

There's no word on what started the fire, but Electrek has reached out to the local fire department and is waiting for a response.

These mobile Supercharging stations are comprised of a mega pack on the back of a trailer with multiple Supercharging outlets attached. Tesla often employs them at particularly busy Supercharger locations during the holidays in order to ease congestion and reduce waiting times.

This time, though,

New California Laws Affect Auto Repairers

PublishedJan. 5, 2023

Every year, hundreds of new laws are enacted that impact California automotive repair dealers. Below is a brief summary of some of the key measures, in no particular order, that took effect Jan. 1, 2023, unless otherwise noted.

Minimum Wage Increase

Effective Jan. 1, 2023, the minimum wage increased to $15.50 per hour for all employers regardless of size, based on a cost-of-living provision in the state minimum wage law. (SB 3 of 2017). Please note local minimum wage ordinances may be higher.

Catalytic Converter Record Keeping Requirements

This new law requires core recyclers that buy

Washington Think Tank Questions Claim that Greenhouse Gas Policies ‘Working as Intended’

Written by Brett Davis, The Center Square
Published Jan. 4, 2023

Todd Myers, environmental director at the free market Washington Policy Center, takes issue with officials touting the effectiveness of state climate change policies on greenhouse gas emissions.

“Going all the way back to 2006, our state has launched a range of initiatives designed to bring down carbon pollution and transition from polluting sources of energy,” a Dec. 28 Department of Ecology blog stated. “Long story short, a review of these policies shows that they are working as intended---but their biggest effects will be

Colorado Sees Spike in Gas Prices After Suncor Refinery Closes

Written by Derek Draplin, The Center Square
Published Jan. 4, 2023

Gas prices in Colorado spiked over the last week of December following the closure of the Suncorrefinery in Commerce City.

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the state was $2.93 as of Jan. 3, up from $2.81 a week earlier, according to AAA. 

The refinery closed in December after experiencing “equipment damage in the days leading up to Dec. 24.”

“The inspection and repair of the damaged equipment is ongoing,” Suncor said in a news release. “Based on our current assessment we anticipate a progressive restart of the

Tesla Repair Shop Planned in Burr Ridge, IL

Written by David Giuliani, Patch
Published Jan. 4, 2023

Teslawants to set up a collision repair shop on Shore Drive in Burr Ridge, IL.

Its proposal is undergoing the village's zoning process.

In its proposal, the company said it aims to fully redesign the 41,000-square foot building at 311 Shore Drive. It is requesting a special use permit.

The repair shop is expected to employ 35 to 45 employees. Tesla projects the shop would see five to 15 appointment customers a day.

Under its zoning process, the village asks applicants whether the proposed use provides an opportunity that is otherwise unavailable in the

Driver of Tesla That Went Off a CA Cliff Arrested, Charged with Attempted Murder

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published Jan. 4, 2023

On Jan. 3, the internet was shocked by the news that all four people in a Teslahad survived a 250-foot

AF Collision Becomes 1st Utah Shop to Join 1Collision

PublishedJan. 4, 2023

1Collisionis pleased to announce the addition of AF Collision in American Fork, UT, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. The business is owned by Travis Olson.

“We are delighted to be adding our first Utah shop to support our Utah customer base,” said John Hollingsworth, 1Collision director of new location development. “Travis and his team at AF Collision already operate on a high level but were looking for something to help them reach the next plateau of growth. We are excited to start supporting their team with their goals.”

“I am looking forward to having a team and a

MN Closes Loophole on Damage Transparency for Used Cars

Written by Mike Moen, Public News Service
Published Jan. 3, 2023

A new Minnesota law took effect Jan. 1 designed to reduce risks for people buying used vehicles. It comes as more Americans lean on the market for previously driven cars.

Industry source Kelley Blue Booksaid the U.S. saw a 10% increase in used-vehicle purchases in 2022.

Prices for those cars have gone up, but so have monthly payments for brand new models---which also have dealt with supply chain issues.

The Minnesota law change gets to the issue of "title washing," which allowed used fixed-up cars with heavy damage in their past to evade a salvage

Republicans Criticize Delaware's Tightening Tailpipe Rules

Written by Christian Wade, The Center Square
Published Jan. 3, 2023

Delaware is planning to enact some of the most stringent regulations for vehicle emissions in the nation, as the Carey administration seeks to curb tailpipe pollution contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

The new regulations, drafted by the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, would adopt California's newly approved Advanced Clean Cars II standards, which require vehicle manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of new zero-emission passenger cars and light-duty trucks in model years 2026 through 2035.

State environmental officials say the

Maryland Interstate 81 Project to Get $100M for Improvements

Written by Brent Addleman, The Center Square
Published Jan. 3, 2023

An interstate project benefitting western Maryland is getting an infusion of state funds.

The state’s final fiscal year 2023-2028 Consolidated Transportation Program will see $100 million being invested to advance the Interstate 81 Phase 2 project in Washington County, Gov. Larry Hogan said. The improvements support expansion of the Howard Street Tunnel and growth of manufacturing and operations centers.

Phase 2 of the project, according to the release, has been a key priority for the western portion of the state and will facilitate economic and job growth

Iowa Tow Companies, Auto Body Shops Swamped After Winter Storm

Written by Zach Fisher, WHO 13 News
Published Jan. 3, 2023

Tow and body shops in Iowa are dealing with the automobile aftermath from the severe winter weather in late December.

“Right now we are averaging 70 to 80 cars a day that we’re moving,” said Andy DeBoard, owner of Perry’s Service.

Perry’s Service had nine drivers working overtime every day the last week of December to get all the cars off the roads. The parking lot outside of Perry’s was full of cars just towed after being stalled out on the roadways.

...

Family Relinquishes Emmitt’s Auto Repair in FL, but Wheels Will Keep Turning at Shop

Written by Lee Wardlaw, Clay Today
Published Jan. 3, 2023

The sign outside Emmitt’s Auto Repair on U.S. Highway 17 in Green Cove Springs, FL, told motorists the shop was on vacation. The iconic automobile repair shop specializing in brakes, steering and suspension was set to reopen Jan. 3.

But for the first time in 50 years---22 of them north of city limits---it will be in the hands of a new owner.

During a more than half-century run in Duval and Clay counties, Emmitt’s saw a blessed time of business and family-friendly service to customers at the shop, with the Rigsby family establishing a business

‘A Miracle’: Tesla Passengers Survive 250-Foot Plunge Off Cliff at Devil’s Slide

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published Jan. 3, 2023

A family of four inside a white Teslawas rescued after the EV fell about 250 feet off a cliff at Devil’s Slide in California.

Considering the factors surrounding the accident, the survival of all the Tesla’s occupants has been dubbed by rescuers as “nothing short of a

Fire Marshal Rules Out Arson in Easthampton, MA, Auto Body Shop Blaze

Written by Emily Thurlow, Daily Hampshire Gazette
Published Jan. 3, 2023

Investigators have found no evidence the fire that devastated Ed’s Auto Body & Repair Inc. in December was intentionally set or the result of arson, according to Jake Wark, spokesman for the Massachusetts Office of the State Fire Marshal.

The fire at the auto body shop on Mechanic Street in Easthampton, MA, which has been in business at that site for more than 44 years, started on the

Spokane, WA, City Crews Scramble to Keep Up with Winter Road Damage

Written by RaeLynn Ricarte, The Center Square
Published Dec. 30, 2022

Spokane, WA, Public Works teams have already completed three full-city plows since early November that involved more than 10,000 lane miles. Now they are scrambling to fill potholes left behind by a series of winter storms.

“Infrastructure and maintenance are things people don’t really think about until there is a problem,” said Public Works Director Marlene Feist in a statement. “The last six weeks has really highlighted the many improvements that have been made over time and how our team and systems successfully work together to meet the needs of the