Tesla Cybertruck 9,000-Ton Giga Press Parts Begin Arriving in Texas

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published Dec. 19, 2022

Not long after an image of a TeslaCybertruck body prototype was leaked from Gigafactory Texas, videos from the site now suggest the all-electric pickup truck’s 9,000-ton Giga Press is being delivered to the facility, suggesting Tesla is indeed on track to start the Cybertruck’s production next

15 San Antonio Veterans Receive NABC Recycled Rides® from USAA

Published Dec. 19, 2022

Recently, 15 deserving veterans and their families were honored at USAAheadquarters in San Antonio, TX, and presented with National Auto Body Council(NABC) Recycled Rides® vehicles.

All the cars were donated by USAA and were refurbished by collision repair partners Service King/Crash Champions, which repaired five of the vehicles; Caliber Collision, which also restored five vehicles; Performance Collision of Effingham, SC, a Certified Collision Group affiliate, which refurbished three vehicles; and Gerber Collision & Glass, which refurbished two

AASP/NJ Mourns Loss of Longtime Members Jack Wilson and Sal Failla

PublishedDec. 19, 2022

Early December brought the loss of two longtime members, supporters and friends of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) with the passing of Jack Wilson, former owner of Coury’s Auto Body in Toms River, NJ, and Sebastiano “Sal” Failla of Sal’s Auto Body in Green Brook, NJ.

Wilson passed away Dec. 5 at the age of 68. Wilson was the prior owner of Coury’s Auto Body and a past vice president of an organization that he assisted in starting to address the problems of the collision shops in that area, which ultimately turned into the Ocean County

California Investing $2.9 Billion to Double Number of EV Chargers

Written by Dan Mihalascu, InsideEVs
Published Dec. 16, 2022

The government of California has approved a $2.9 billion investment plant to accelerate the state's electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling targets for 2025.

According to the plan approved by the California Energy Commission (CEC) on Dec. 14, the investment will add 90,000 new EV chargers across the state, more than double the 80,000 chargers already installed. The energy commission estimates that combined with funding from utilities and other programs, these investments are expected to ensure the state achieves its goal to deploy 250,000 chargers by 2025.

California will

Tesla Gigafactory Texas Hits 3,000 Model Y Production Per Week

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published Dec. 16, 2022

TeslaGigafactory Texas production hit 3,000 Model Y units per week, the company announced Dec. 15, marking another milestone for its new electric vehicle factory.

Over the last few weeks, Tesla stock has been taking a beating. Elon Musk’s Twitterdeal has cast a shadow over Tesla lately, but the automaker doesn’t seem fazed at all, contining to ramp production in Texas, Berlin and China. The EV automaker is also still finding ways to improve the Fremont, CA, factory’s efficiency.

In Texas, Tesla is expanding its Gigafactory while ramping Model Y

Classic Collision Adds 2 Locations in Colorado

PublishedDec. 16, 2022

Classic Collision, LLC, on Dec. 16 announced the acquisition of the CARSTAR Highland Denver North and Highland Denver South franchise in Denver, CO.

Former owners Gunnarand Lynette Greenemeier have been dedicated for the past 35 years to serving their customers’ needs throughout the vehicle repair, by providing the most efficient, cost-effective methods available, while providing the highest quality repair and an exceptional customer service experience.

“Our philosophy has been to do the repair right the first time, and I know that Classic Collision will carry that on,” said

Autonomy’s EV Subscription Service Makes Texas Debut

PublishedDec. 15, 2022

Autonomy, the nation’s largest electric vehicle subscription company, on Dec. 14 announced its service is now available in Austin, TX.

The debut in Texas comes after a successful launch in California earlier this year and a recent expansion into Florida and Washington.

Texas, ranked third in EV registrations behind California and Florida, is showing great promise for electrification, with nearly 30,000 new EVs on the road between 2020 and 2021. This growth and natural demand makes Texas a compelling state for Autonomy to expand operations into.

About 46% of Texans under age 45 say they are considering purchasing an

California’s Emissions Plunged Amidst Pandemic Restrictions, but Climate Gains May Not Hold

PublishedDec. 15, 2022

California’s greenhouse gas emissions fell a remarkable 8.7% in 2020 amidst pandemic-induced economic disruptions and travel restrictions.

But while the significant drop in emissions has helped the state make progress toward its 2030 climate targets, it masks a rise in pollution from in-state power generation, as stubbornly-slow renewable energy growth threatens California’s transition to carbon neutrality.

At the same time, a drop in emissions from the transportation sector for the third-consecutive year could signal a breakthrough in the state’s largest source of climate pollution, if

At CARSTAR Fort Collins, Process Produces Performance

PublishedDec. 14, 2022

At CARSTAR Fort Collins in Colorado, the new facility was designed with organization and performance in mind.

The location, which had been used a as granite storage facility, provided ample room for owner Doug Kaltenbergerto install the repair process system of which he had dreamed.

First, Kaltenberger and his team designed the production area with technicians in mind, pulling from his 30 years of working as a collision repair technician. Each bay was set up with air hoses, power wash, in-ground lifts and focused lighting to make it more efficient for technicians to work on the vehicles.

Building

Diesel Fuel Theft Ring Busted in Tennessee

Written by Steven Symes, Motorious
Published Dec. 14, 2022

Police in Hendersonville, TN, blew the cover off a surprisingly sophisticated diesel theft ring.

According to a local report, authorities believe the group has stolen tens of thousands in diesel from local gas stations. One news station is calling the group Diesel Gang, suspected of stealing from gas stations all over the Mid

Many Northwest Drivers Boast Their Driving Skills, Even in Wintry Conditions

PublishedDec. 14, 2022

As winter quickly approaches and the Northwest prepares for temperatures to drop, one negative aspect to a “white Christmas” is the lasting, dangerous icy conditions on the road. 

The newest poll by PEMCO Mutual Insurance revealed many Seattle and Portland residents boast they’re a more skillful driver than most---in both normal and wintry conditions.

According to the poll data, 50% of Seattleites and 47% of Portlanders claim they are a more skilled driver than their peers. 

This high confidence is even more common among men than women, with 57% of Portland men claiming they’re a

Crash Champions Expands to Connecticut, Acquires Andrade Motorcar 

PublishedDec. 14, 2022

Crash Champions, LLC, on Dec. 14 announced it has expanded to its 36th state, acquiring Andrade Motorcar, a high-quality collision repair center located at 975 Campbell Ave. in West Haven, CT. 

While this acquisition represents the company’s entry into the state, Crash Champions operates a national best-in-class lineup of more than 590 collision repair centers, all providing customers with superior service and a written lifetime warranty.

“I am excited to bring the Crash Champions team to Connecticut, a vibrant state and natural next step for our continued expansion given our growing presence

Car ADAS Announces New Licensee in Ohio, Calibration Connection

PublishedDec. 14, 2022

Car ADAS Solutions, a leading provider of ADAS calibration technology and services, announced the addition of its first licensee in Ohio, Calibration Connection.

Located in Mentor, OH, the facility is operated by DCR Systems, owned by Michael Giarrizzo and Cheryl Boswell.

“We are excited to have Michael Giarrizzo, Cheryl Boswell and the team at DCR Systems open a best-in-class calibration center under the Car ADAS model,” said Greg Peeters, founder and CEO of CAR ADAS. “They are forward-looking body shop owners and industry leaders,

New Laws in January Aimed at Addressing Spike in Carjackings, Vehicle Thefts in Illinois

Written by Kevin Bessler, The Center Square
Published Dec. 13, 2022

As Illinois continues to deal with vehicle thefts and carjackings, there are new laws that take effect in January aimed at addressing the problem.  

California experienced the highest number of stolen vehicles overall in 2021, with more than 200,000 vehicles taken. The top five states for vehicular crime---California, Illinois, Florida, Colorado and Texas---accounted for 412,008 cars stolen. Those who speculated it was a “pandemic thing” may rethink that notion as the problem continues. 

More than 1,300 carjackings have occurred in the

AmeriCarna Car Show Raises Funds for Ray Evernham’s IGNITE Program

PublishedDec. 13, 2022

A decade ago, IGNITEwas a brand-new dream of the Evernham Family to provide a place where young adults, like Ray Evernham's son, Ray J., could explore career opportunities, learn life skills and develop relationships.

Today, that dream is a reality, with IGNITE programs now offered in Davidson, Greensboro and Raleigh, NC, serving hundreds of young adults maneuvering their way through life.

Powering that IGNITE program has been the Evernhams' annual car show, AmeriCarna LIVE, which returned after COVID to be bigger and better than ever in 2022. The star-studded show,

Stellantis to Indefinitely Idle Jeep Cherokee Plant, UAW Calls Move ‘Unacceptable’

Written by Michael Gauthier, CarScoops
Published Dec. 13, 2022

Stellantishas announced plans to indefinitely idle the Belvidere Assembly plant in Illinois that builds the JeepCherokee.

According to CNBC, the plant will cease production Feb. 28 and leave more than 1,200 employees out of work.

In a statement, Stellantis said the move was a “difficult but necessary action” as “our industry has been adversely affected by a multitude of factors like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the global microchip shortage.” However, the company said the “most impactful challenge is the increasing cost related

Precision Auto Works of LIC™ Adds Lucid Collision Repair Center Certification

PublishedDec. 13, 2022

Precision Auto Works of Long Island City™ is proud to announce collision certification by luxury electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors.

“2022 has been a big year for Precision Auto Works of LIC," said founder George Anastasopoulos. "We’re well known for our experience with electric vehicles going back to our original factory training and certification with Tesla. Earlier this year we added collision certification from Rivian, and now we’re proud to announce we have been selected as the first and only factory-trained Lucid certified collision center in New York

30 Individuals, 21 Businesses Charged in Pennsylvania Title Washing Scheme

PublishedDec. 13, 2022

Criminal charges were announced Dec. 9 in Pennsylvania against 30 individuals and 21 businesses for “title washing” and for re-titling stolen vehicles in Lebanon, Lehigh and Philadelphia counties.

The title washing fraud was designed to bypass rigid requirements for reconstructed titles in states such as New Jersey and New York. The re-titling of these stolen vehicles was intended to make those vehicles look legitimate for resale or export.

The participants in these criminal networks are alleged to have purchased totaled vehicles they then falsified inspection information for and submitted fraudulent title

Stellantis, DTE Energy Partner to Add 400 Megawatts of New Solar Projects in Michigan 

PublishedDec. 12, 2022

Stellantisand DTE Energy on Dec. 12 announced a clean energy commitment to add 400 megawatts of new solar projects in Michigan---enough clean energy to power approximately 130,000 homes annually---through DTE's MIGreenPower voluntary renewable energy program. 

The clean energy commitment is the second largest renewable energy purchase ever made in the U.S. from a utility and will avoid more than 670,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
 
Earlier this year, Stellantis announced aggressive goals to achieve carbon net zero globally by 2038 as part of

South Superior, WI, Repair Shop Changes Hands

Written by Maria Lockwood, Superior Telegram
Published Dec. 12, 2022

A longtime South Superior, WI, business is under new ownership.

Bob’s South Tower Auto Repair at 6028 Tower Ave. has been purchased by Zak McClelland, who also owns Mrs. Mac’s Towing and Transportin Duluth, MN.

McClelland said they closed the deal on the site the day before Thanksgiving.

“We were looking for a shop. We’ve been looking for a while,” McClelland said. “We got a tip about Bob, got over, started talking to him … his business really aligned with ours. We’re really a community-based business, and we love giving back to the community,

Crash Champions Acquires 3 Collision Repair Facilities in Maryland 

Published Dec. 12, 2022

Crash Champions, LLC, on Dec. 12 announced it expanded its Maryland footprint through the strategic acquisition of three high-quality collision repair facilities: Advanced Auto Body, located at 500 Frederick St. in Hagerstown; Classic Collision Works, located at 423 E. Diamond Ave. in Gaithersburg; and Advanced Collision, located at 12200 Baltimore Ave. in Beltsville.

Crash Champions now provides Maryland motorists with high-quality collision repair service at 17 repair centers across the state. Local customers also benefit from a lifetime warranty backing all repair work valid at any

Contra Costa College Seeking Automotive Collision Adjunct Professors

Published Dec. 12, 2022

Contra Costa College in San Pablo, CA, is seeking people for its collision engineering program who recognize the critical role of community colleges, who have ability and enthusiasm for the collision repair industry and a commitment to achieving equitable academic success for the 50,000+ students attending its five beautiful colleges and centers.

Part-time instructors are needed for one or more of the following courses:

• Introduction to Automotive Collision Repair Technology (lab and lecture)
• Introduction to Painting and Refinishing Technology (lab and

Man Broke Into 7 Cars at Bloomfield, NJ, Repair Shop

Written by Eric Kiefer, Patch
Published Dec. 9, 2022

Police apprehended a man accused of breaking into seven cars at an auto repair shop in Bloomfield, NJ, authorities announced Dec. 8.

An officer responded to Regal Collision on Grove Street on Dec. 6 after Bloomfield police got a report about several vehicle break-ins at the shop's parking lot.

The owner said seven vehicles were entered and small items were taken from inside of each car, according to the Bloomfield Police Department.

...

Four Rivers Career Center in Missouri to Use $400K Grant to Buy Technology Aimed at Bolstering Career Readiness

Written by Reid Glenn, emissourian.com
Published Dec. 9, 2022

The Four Rivers Career Center in Washington, MO, and 50 other work skills centers across Missouri are the recipients of grant dollars to the tune of hundreds of thousands each.

FRCC is getting $400,000, the max provided by the Missouri’s Area Career Center Opportunity (MACCO) Grant, which is funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. MACCO grants are aimed at modernizing the equipment and infrastructure of Missouri’s technical schools. 

Four Rivers has a plan to buy new equipment for seven programs---engineering,

Massachusetts Using Federal Funding to Support Small Business Sector

By Brent Addleman, The Center Square
Published Dec. 8, 2022

Making investments in the future of small businesses is the focus of a new investment in Massachusetts.

Nearly $169 million will be redirected from the U.S. Department of Treasury to promote small business growth and entrepreneurship in the Bay State. The funds are from the state’s allocation of State Small Business Credit Initiative Funding, Gov. Charlie Baker said.

“Since taking office, we have been committed to supporting small businesses in communities across Massachusetts,” Baker said in a release. “This federal funding will allow us to increase access to

Winter Season Means Rise in Deer-Related Collisions

By Jordan Williams, FOX 2 Now
Published Dec. 8, 2022

Mating season for deer means the mammals will be erratic, moving around more, and they could find themselves on highways. 

Three people in Missouri were killed in an animal-related collision Dec. 3. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the driver swerved out of the way of an animal and ended up hitting a tree. The driver, 20-year-old Audrey Smith of Bridgeton; 20-year-old Andrew Marzuco of Ste. Genevieve; and 19-year-old Mallory Carterof Brighton, IL, were pronounced dead at the scene. 

“It’s gotten cold, so we are seeing more animal

Crash Champions Acquires 7 Auto Body Shops in Seattle

PublishedDec. 8, 2022

Crash Champions, LLC, on Dec. 8 announced it expanded its presence in the Seattle market through the strategic acquisitions of 1st Class Auto Body and Seattle Automotive.

1st Class Auto Body operates five locations across the Seattle metro area, while Seattle Automotive serves customers at two local repair centers.

Crash Champions now provides Seattle motorists with high-quality collision repair service at 23 locations across the metro area, and 28 total repair centers across the Evergreen State. Local customers also benefit from a lifetime warranty backing all repair work valid at any of Crash Champions’

Connecticut Lawmakers Approve Gas Tax Holiday Extension

Written by Christian Wade, The Center Square
Published Dec. 8, 2022

Connecticut motorists will continue to see relief at the pumps after the state Legislature approved an extension of the gas tax holiday until next year.

Meeting in a special session Nov. 28, the Democrat controlled House and Senate approved a proposal to waive the 25 cents per gallon retail tax on gasoline until Dec. 31. The gas tax holiday, which was initially approved in April, was set to expire Nov. 30.

Under the plan, which is backed by Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, the state will begin to reinstate the tax by five cents a month beginning in January, until it

Hyundai Motor Group and SK On to Build EV Battery Facility in Georgia

PublishedDec. 8, 2022

Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) and SK On have selected a site in Bartow County in Georgia for a new electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facility that will supply Hyundai Motor Group's plants in the U.S. 

Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp on Dec. 8 announced the deal, one of the largest economic development projects in state history. Stakeholders estimate it will create more than 3,500 new jobs through approximately $4 billion to $5 billion of investment in Bartow County.

Hyundai Motor Group and SK On recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the partnership for a

Kia America Brings Magic of the North Pole to Patients at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

Published Dec. 8, 2022

Kia America is continuing to "Accelerate The Good" this holiday season by expanding its partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in an effort to bring the joy and magic of the holiday season directly to St. Jude patients and families.

Created by David&Goliath (D&G), Kia's creative agency of record, the "Season of Giving Back" campaign gives children at St. Jude and their parents the gift of a virtual trip to the North Pole without ever having to leave the comfort and safety of the St. Jude campus.

For the first time in the hospital's history, the TV