Delaware Traffic Fatalities on the Rise in 2022

Written by Brent Addleman, The Center Square
Published Nov. 28, 2022

With one month left in the year, Delaware’s highway fatalities have neared the 2021 total.

The state reported 138 traffic fatalities in 2022, one shy of last year’s 139 incidents. Last year’s total was the most since 2006.

“Thousands of Delawareans will take to the roads in the coming weeks to visit friends and family near and far and no matter your destination, we remind drivers to put their safety and that of those around them first,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeskiin a news release.

Last year, the state had 33 traffic fatalities that took

Hyundai Reportedly Considering Building Battery Plants with LG

Written by William Johnson, Teslarati
Published Nov. 28, 2022

Hyundai is reportedly considering building two massive battery plants in a partnership with LG.

Rumors have been circulating over the past week that Hyundai is considering building a battery plant along with its new electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Georgia.

An older report said Hyundai is working with SK Innovation to build a single plant. However, according to an unnamed source cited by a local paper in South Korea and reported by Reuters, Hyundai may also be considering building a pair of battery plants with LG Chem.

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Autobody Pro Shop in Virginia Celebrates 25-Year Anniversary

Written by Ed Attanasio, Autobody News
Published Nov. 28, 2022

Isaac Hall, 30, was told from day one to stay out of the family’s body shop, Autobody Pro Shop in Harrisonburg, VA, but eventually, the plans changed.

Today, he runs the shop established 25 years ago by his father, Kip Hall, 56. On Dec. 22, the shop will celebrate 25 years in business to thank a community that has supported it since 1997.

Autobody Pro Shop performs every aspect of collision repair and also takes on

New Hampshire Body Shop Owner ‘Winging’ Own Case Beats State Farm in High Court

Written by Jim Sams, Insurance Journal
Published Nov. 22, 2022

Collision repair shop owner Steve Piispanen didn’t hire an attorney because he considers them to be “not educated” when it comes to insurance law.

He represented himself when he appealed a local judge’s decision to dismiss a $1,093.37 claim against State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. He wrote his own brief and personally appeared to make oral arguments before the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

Piispanen has no legal training. “Heck no,” he said. “I just winged it.”

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LG to Invest More Than $3 Billion for Battery Cathode Facility in Tennessee

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published Nov. 22, 2022

On Nov. 22, South Korea-based LG Chem Ltd.announced it will invest more than $3 billion to construct a battery cathode factory in Tennessee.

The facility is part of the company’s efforts to meet the growing demand for American electric vehicle battery components.

LG’s Tennessee-based cathode plant represents one of the most significant EV-related investments made by a South Korean company in the U.S. so far. Under the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) rules, automakers and battery manufacturers who rely heavily on China for sourcing their vehicle components face

$23 Million Classic Alfa Romeo Stolen in SC

Written by Steven Symes, Motorious
Published Nov. 22, 2022

It’s not every day a rare and incredibly valuable pre-war car is stolen, but that’s exactly what happened at a motel in Latta, SC, on July 25.

With no sign of the 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Lungo Spyder, the owner is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to its recovery.

Per a local report, the theft took place at a Holiday Inn Express by I-95 in Latta. The classic Italian automobile was inside a white 2009 Haulmarktrailer hitched up to a 2002 FordF-350 dually. Thieves stole the truck and trailer, which had Illinois plates, numbers 344949 and 104510TE,

Tesla Adds Insurance to Minnesota, Raises Rates in Other States

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Nov. 22, 2022

Tesla is introducing its in-house insurance program to drivers in Minnesota, the 12th state to qualify for the automaker’s coverage. Tesla also applied to raise rates in Oregon and Maryland by up to 30%.

Tesla added Minnesota to its list of qualifying states Nov. 17, joining Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

Before Minnesota, Utah and Maryland were the most recent additions to the program, in July.

Minnesota’s insurance laws allow Tesla to operate with real-time driving behaviors, which can improve

Lucid Motors Opens First Retail Studio Location in Texas

PublishedNov. 21, 2022

Lucid Group, Inc. announced the official opening of its first Studio location in the state of Texas.

This Studio opening marks 29 Lucid Studio and service center locations open in North America and 32 globally, including the recent opening in Geneva, Switzerland. The Lucid Studio at Legacy West opened to the public Nov. 19.

"Opening in the heart of Plano, we're thrilled to announce our first Studio in Texas," said Zak Edson, Lucid's vice president of sales and service. "We look forward to serving the people of Texas and introducing consumers to the full Lucid Air lineup, including the recently unveiled Air

Las Vegas Veterans Receive Donated Vehicles from NABC Recycled Rides Program

PublishedNov. 21, 2022

During the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, three deserving local veterans were presentated vehicles to provide them independence and the ability to work and take care of their families, thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program along with car donor GEICO and Gerber Collision & Glass of Las Vegas.

The presentation was held at the new Gerber Collision & Glass location in North Las Vegas. The deserving recipients were selected by U.S. Vets of Las Vegas.

In 2022, GEICO has donated more than 200 vehicles to the NABC Recycled Rides

Exotic Auto Body in Southern California Joins 1Collision

Published Nov. 18, 2022

1Collision is pleased to announce the addition of Exotic Auto Body, located in Inglewood, CA.

Opened eight years ago, the body shop prides itself on providing exceptional customer service and always putting customers’ best interests in mind when repairing their vehicles.

Exotic Auto Body joined 1Collision after learning about the company’s focus and affiliated locations.

“We feel like the 1Collision staff have the same ethics and goals as we do,” said Gary Naymon from Exotic Auto Body. “They want to help independent shops grow and expand while making sure customers are getting their

Classic Collision Acquires Shamrock Auto Body in Florida

Published Nov. 18, 2022

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Nov. 18, the acquisition of Shamrock Auto Body in St. Cloud, FL.

Shamrock Auto Body, Inc. is a family owned and operated business, providing customers with exemplary auto body repair service from the same location since 2000. Its highly trained team of technicians perform a complete range of auto body repair services to Central Florida customers from St. Cloud, Kissimmee, Orlando, Celebration and Lake Nona.

“We have been committed to delivering only the highest level of quality service, with the emphasis on customer satisfaction and know that Classic Collision is in

Crash Champions Acquires Harold’s Auto Body Shop in Savannah, GA, Metro Area

PublishedNov. 17, 2022

Crash Champions, LLC, on Nov. 17 announced it has acquired Harold’s Auto Body Shop in Rincon, GA.

Harold’s serves customers at a high-quality repair center located at 5500 McCall Road in Rincon.

This acquisition continues Crash Champions' strategic growth across Georgia, as the organization now serves customers at 12 locations across the state. Nationwide, the company operates more than 580 high-quality collision repair centers across 35 states, all providing customers with superior service and a written lifetime warranty.

“The highly-trained and experienced technicians and repair

Veteran’s Wife in Minnesota Receives NABC Recycled Ride

PublishedNov. 16, 2022

Nov. 14, the spouse of a Minnesota veteran received a vehicle to provide their family independence and the ability to work and take care of themselves, thanks to the National Auto Body Council(NABC) Recycled Rides® program, along with car donor Allstateand collision repair partner Jerry’s ABRA Auto Body & Glass.

The presentation was held at Jerry’s ABRA Auto Body & Glass in Mankato, MN. The recipients were selected by the Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC).

"We are excited about participating in NABC Recycled Rides,” said Dan Jones, representative of MVAC. “Jerry’s

Fix Network World Launches First Auto Glass Apprenticeship Program in U.S.

PublishedNov. 16, 2022

Fix Network Worldproudly announced the approval of the Fix Network Apprenticeship Program (FNAP) in the State of Washington for automotive glass technicians.

The Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council voted unanimously in October at its quarterly meeting to approve the workforce development program. This Registered Apprenticeship is governed by standards outlined under WAC 296-05-009 and covers training at Speedy Glass centers in Washington and Oregon.

FNAP will be the first automotive glass apprenticeship of its kind in the U.S. The program’s goal is to elevate the quality of

Chilton Auto Body, Largest MSO in CARSTAR, Chooses PartsTrader as Procurement Platform

PublishedNov. 16, 2022

Chilton Auto Body, a leader in collision repair for more than 50 years, with 18 locations in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, on Nov. 15 announced PartsTrader, the world leader in online collision parts procurement, as its preferred parts procurement platform.

Chilton Auto Body provided the following key reasons for its choice of PartsTrader:

• Optimized parts pricing and choice
• Intuitive, easy-to-use interface
• Greater access to deep, actionable data
• World-class sales and service

Crash Champions Acquires Collision Repair Center in Kansas City, MO

PublishedNov. 16, 2022

Crash Champions, LLC, on Nov. 16 announced the organization has expanded its footprint in the Kansas City metro area, through the acquisition of Molle Toyota’s collision repair center.

As part of the deal, Molle Toyota will maintain full independent ownership and operations of its automotive dealership, while Crash Champions will acquire and assume operations of the repair center effective immediately.

“This repair center has earned a loyal customer base thanks to its commitment to employing certified technicians that utilize state-of-the-art tools and deliver best-in-class repairs,” said Matt

Schaefer Autobody Centers Announces Holiday Food Drive in Partnership with St. Louis Area Foodbank

PublishedNov. 15, 2022

Schaefer Autobody Centers announced its 2022 holiday food drive initiative, Drive Out Hunger.

The locally-owned auto body leader welcomes the community to join it in collecting non-perishable food and essential non-food items to donate to the St. Louis Area Foodbank.

With rising food prices, the community needs help collecting much needed items for neighbors in need. All donations to the food drive will be kept local.

To make donating convenient, items can be dropped off at any of Schaefer Autobody Centers’ 14 locations during regular business hours, Monday

Crash Champions Acquires DAA Auto Body Centers in Spokane, WA

PublishedNov. 15, 2022

Crash Champions, LLC on Nov. 15 announced it has grown its presence in Eastern Washington through the acquisition of DAA Auto Body Centers in Spokane, WA.

One of the area’s leading providers of high-quality auto body repair services, DAA serves customers at two Spokane-area repair centers, located at 3001 E. Palouse Highway and 2607 S. Hayford Road.

With the addition of DAA, Crash Champions now provides customers access to collision repair service at 21 locations across Washington.

“I am thrilled to welcome Bob McConkey and his team to Crash Champions,” said Matt

Jerry’s ABRA Auto Body Partners with MoonDogs to Raise $4,800 for the Alzheimer’s Association

PublishedNov. 15, 2022

Jerry’s ABRA Auto Body, a locally owned and operated collision repair facility in Mankato, MN, has donated $4,800 directly to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The donation is the result of the “Home Run for Alzheimer’s,” a summer long initiative between Jerry’s ABRA and the Mankato MoonDogs baseball team. Jerry’s ABRA commits a $100 donation for every home run hit in the MoonDogs home park. This year, Jerry’s ABRA decided to adjust the criteria, including the total home runs made throughout the whole season for a total of 48.

“We are very proud to continue our partnership with the

Nearly $10 Million Returned to Consumers Harmed by Illinois Auto Group’s Junk Fees

PublishedNov. 14, 2022

The Federal Trade Commission is sending payments totaling more than $9.8 million to consumers harmed by Illinois-based Napleton Automotive Group’s junk fees and discriminatory practices.

The agency is sending 66,355 checks, averaging $147 each. Recipients should cash checks within 90 days.

Consumers who have questions about their refund should call the refund administrator, Epiq, at 1-888-691-6050. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund.

The FTC and the State of Illinois sued Napleton Automotive Group in March, alleging Napleton

Texas Collision Centers Named in Dallas Morning News’ Top 100 Places to Work

Written by Cheryl Hall, The Dallas Morning News
Published Nov. 14, 2022

Texas Collision Centers is an automotive collision repair and painting firm based in Plano, TX, with three locations and 89 employees.

Not only did it win The Dallas Morning News' No. 3 spot among small contestants in the Top 100 Places to Work---its first time making the list---it ranked highest of all Top 100 companies when it came to operating by strong values.

In the past year, Texas Collision has donated to The Salvation Army, Plano Christmas Cops and Plano Fire Rescue. It gave a restored vehicle to a veteran in need

J & R Auto Body & Paint Joins 1Collision as 1st Location in San Diego Area

Published Nov. 14, 2022

1Collisionis excited to announce the addition of J&R Auto Body and Paint in Vista, CA.

The independent family-owned business has provided collision repair and vehicle restorations in North County, San Diego, for more than 15 years.

“We joined 1Collision because of its reputation in the collision repair industry,” said Denisse Barragan, owner-operator of J&R Auto Body and Paint. “We listened to other repair shops who are already part of the network and they had nothing but great things to say about 1Collision.”

John Hollingsworth,

Honda Destination Fee Lawsuit Filed in New Jersey

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published Nov. 11, 2022

A Hondadestination fee class action lawsuit was filed for New Jersey residents who leased or purchased a Honda vehicle from a Honda dealership between October 2016 to the present.

The lawsuit says Honda violates the Automobile Information Disclosure Act, which requires manufacturers to disclose the true cost of transporting vehicles to dealerships.

The window sticker (Monroney label) typically calls the charge a destination fee, destination charge or destination and handling fee.

According to the four Honda customers who sued, the Honda window stickers violate the New

Foxconn Invests Another $170 Million in Lordstown Motors

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
PublishedNov. 11, 2022

Foxconnput its money where its mouth is by fully committing to Lordstown Motors with a new $170 million investment package that secures a future collaboration for a joint EV project.

After first investing in Lordstown Motors last year by purchasing its production facility in Ohio, Foxconn has continued to expand its partnership with the automaker. Foxconn’s joint partnership with Lordstown helped get the automaker’s production up and running and helped secure financial stability in the company after previous leadership failed to launch automotive manufacturing.

Of the

Canoo to Acquire Vehicle Manufacturing Facility in Oklahoma City

Published Nov. 11, 2022

Canoo, a leading high-tech advanced mobility company has entered into an agreement to acquire a vehicle manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City.

Strategically located with easy access to road and rail, the facility will produce Canoo's LDV and LV vehicles for delivery to customers in 2023. With a dedicated training center, Canoo's facility will employ more than 500 people and be equipped to ramp to a 20,000 unit annual run rate by the end of 2023, with additional capacity to scale on the 120+ acre site.

"Today we are excited to announce our manufacturing facility, which begins our path to scaled production in 2023

TrueCar Honors Vietnam U.S. Marine Corps Veteran with New Retrofitted Vehicle

Published Nov. 11, 2022

TrueCar, Inc. awarded U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran Leonard "Len" Johnson of Philadelphia, PA, with a new retrofitted vehicle through its DrivenToDrive initiative.

The initiative is made possible in partnership with DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and AutoNation, America's largest automotive retailer.

While serving, Johnson, 74, received multiple shrapnel wounds to his face, legs and feet during a firefight and, as a result, lost the use of his left foot and has limited mobility in his right leg. Following his military career, Johnson has continued to support his

SDG&E, GM to Explore Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home Technology

Published Nov. 10, 2022

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and General Motors on Nov. 10 announced an agreement to investigate the feasibility of integrating bidirectional EVs into the electric grid as a local energy resource.

Following GM’s announcement of its newest business unit, GM Energy, the study will examine the hardware, software, processes and construction considerations necessary to accelerate wider adoption of Vehicle-to-Grid Integration (VGI) capabilities, which include:

• Documenting best practices for Vehicle-to-Home or Building projects so

Lucid Group Sues Texas Over Direct Sales Ban

Written by Dan Mihalascu, InsideEVs
Published Nov. 9, 2022

Lucid Group has filed a federal lawsuit in Texas over the state's rules on auto dealerships, which the EV startup labels "economic protectionism."

In the suit filed in U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas (Austin division), Lucid said the state prevents it from selling its electric cars there and accused Texas of acting anti-competitively in forcing companies to sell their products through established dealerships.

Lucid named Monique Johnston, director of the Motor Vehicle Division at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, as the defendant.

As with many

Crash Champions Acquires Collision King in Lubbock, TX

PublishedNov. 9, 2022

Crash Champions, LLC, on Nov. 9 announced the organization has officially expanded to the West Texas market through the acquisition of Collision King, a leading MSO in Lubbock, TX.

One of West Texas’ leading providers of high-quality auto body repair services, Collision King serves customers at three Lubbock repair centers: Lubbock Downtown, Lubbock South and Lubbock Southwest.

The strategic expansion to the West Texas market grows Crash Champions’ Texas footprint to 99 locations, complementing a nationwide network of more than 575 repair centers in 35 states.

“Collision King will make a terrific addition

Governor Announces $100M Investment in Arizona’s Semiconductor Industry

Written by Tom Joyce, The Center Square
Published Nov. 7, 2022

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced a $100 million investment in the state’s semiconductor industry, according to a press release from his office.

“Arizona has earned a place as one of the world’s leading destinations for chip design, manufacturing and innovation,” Ducey said in a press release. “With historic opportunities before us, this funding ensures we make the most of this moment and cement our semiconductor leadership for decades to come. My thanks to all our partners in the private sector and higher education for their commitment to expanding our high-tech