CARSTAR Colorado Business Group Participates in Denver Lincoln Tech Career Fair

PublishedNov. 7, 2022

Today’s collision repair students are the future of the collision repair industry, and the CARSTAR Colorado Business Group is doing its part to invest in their success.

For more than six years, the Colorado CARSTAR store owners and team members have provided support and coaching for Lincoln College of Technology in Denver, CO.

The Colorado CARSTAR Business Group participated in the Annual Fall Career Fair at Lincoln Tech in Denver on Oct. 20. There were more than 100 students in the collision program who had an opportunity to visit with local collision repair professionals, manufacturers, service

How Virginia Tire Aims to Get More Women into Auto Repair

Written by Jeff Clabaugh, WTOP News
Published Nov. 4, 2022

McLean, VA-based Virginia Tire & Auto started a recruiting campaign in January specifically to attract more women to the auto repair business.

Co-CEO Julie Holmes said she has recruited 31 women since then, for roles that include technicians, sales and administration.

Now, Holmes is launching a scholarship for women entering the industry.

The Women in Automotive scholarship will provide up to three scholarships for postsecondary education for candidates planning to attend an ASE-certified auto technology program. The scholarships are worth

Maryland Auto Insurance Participates in Disaster Recovery Emergency Management Program Facilitated by MEMA

PublishedNov. 4, 2022

As the insurance industry continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic and recent natural disasters, Maryland Autois taking proactive steps to ensure it is able to provide continual access to insurance for Maryland drivers and uninterrupted claims support in the event of an emergency.

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MEMA) facilitated a training exercise Nov. 1 at Maryland Auto’s headquarters in Baltimore. Leaders from Maryland Auto’s Claims, IT, Auditing and Communications departments collaborated to address mock scenarios such as storm damage and

Canoo to Build EV Battery Modules in Oklahoma

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Nov. 3, 2022

Canooannounced Nov. 2 it will build electric vehicle battery modules at a renovated facility in the MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor, OK.

The new facility is expected to expand Canoo’s manufacturing and employment footprint in the region as it continues to ramp production of its electric vehicles. The factory will be capable of approximately 320 MWh of battery module capacity, or .320 GWh.

The battery facility will be located in the same complex as Canoo’s MegaMicro Factory, which will include a paint shop, body shop and general assembly plant when it is finished.

Canoo

CA Law Firm Announces Posts on Criminal Defense Against State’s Bureau of Automotive Repair

Published Oct. 31, 2022

Automotive Defense Specialists, a law firm representing SMOG technicians, SMOG station owners and auto repair shops in California, announced a series of new blog posts focused on criminal defense issues.

Those facing criminal actions will undoubtedly benefit from having legal representation.

"Most actions of the Bureau of Automotive Repair are 'administrative' in nature, which is still serious. But some are criminal, which is even more serious," said attorney William Ferreira of Automotive Defense Specialists. "Our new posts help technicians and auto repair shop owners

Tesla Gigafactory Texas Builds 20,000th Model Y

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
PublishedOct. 31, 2022

Tesla Gigafactory Texas built its 20,000th Model Y. The milestone was posted by the electric vehicle maker on its official Twitter account.

A photo of the Gigafactory Texas team with the factory’s 20,000th Model Y was shared online Oct. 30. The Giga Texas team is seen posing proudly with the vehicle, with many smiling broadly while holding up the No. 2 sign.

With its new milestone, it would appear Giga Texas’ Model Y production is improving its pace. It was only Sept. 18 when the facility built its 10,000th Model Y. At that time, reports indicated the facility took about 108 days

Panasonic to Start Building Kansas Battery Factory

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published Oct. 31, 2022

Tesla battery partner Panasonicsaid it intends to start the buildout of its Kansas plant in November, and is looking to start mass production there by March 2025.

With its Kansas plant, Panasonic is making a serious play for the fast-growing EV segment in the U.S.

Panasonic is already supplying batteries for Tesla through Gigafactory Nevada. The upcoming Kansas plant is expected to provide batteries for Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas facility.

In July, Panasonic announced it had picked Kansas as the site for its new battery factory; later reports suggested the Japanese

LA Auto Show to Host Unveilings with EVs Taking Center Stage

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

Numerous automakers are expected to unveil new and upcoming models at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, and electric vehicles will take center stage.

According to L.A. Business First, the Los Angeles Auto Show---also known as the AutoMobility Los Angeles (AMLA) event---will host unveilings from Subaru, Hyundai, Fiat, Kia, Genesisand Vinfast. Porsche, Volkswagenand Toyota will reveal new vehicles only days before the show opens Nov. 18. Some of the unveilings will likely be

Strongsville, OH, Auto Repair Firm Moving

Written by Soyiga Samuel Adeshina, I Get Talk
Published Oct. 28, 2022

The east-central area of Strongsville, OH, currently has an auto repair shop with a four-year history that wants to move to the south side.

The Strongsville Planning Commission granted approval in September for Chieffalo’s Auto Repair, currently located at the northwest corner of Ohio 82 and W. 130th St., to construct a new shop on Pearl Road between Drake and Boston roads.

Owner Sam Chieffalo said he plans to begin building the new repair shop in the following two to three months, with plans for it to open in March. He said land removal would shortly

Tesla Closer to Opening 1st Dealership in Vermont

By Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published Oct. 27, 2022

The City Planning Commission of South Burlington, VT, recently approved zoning changes bringing a Teslacenter closer to reality.

Tesla plans to refurbish a former Hannaford grocery store in South Burlington into its first dealership in Vermont. The former Hannaford property has been vacant for four years. Currently, the building is a Halloween store.

Earlier this year, Tesla requested the South Burlington Planning Commission rezone the property for its dealership. The commission supported Tesla’s request but suggested rezoning other sites along or near Shelburne Road.

According to

Wallbox Opens Manufacturing Facility in Texas

By Tom Moloughney, InsideEVs
Published Oct. 27, 2022

EV charging equipment supplier Wallboxon Oct. 27 officially opened its first North American manufacturing facility in Arlington, TX.

The state-of-the-art, 130,000-square foot factory will manufacture the company's full line of charging equipment in the U.S.

The $70 million investment by Wallbox is expected to produce 250,000 units and bring more than 250 jobs to the Arlington area by 2025. By 2030, the company expects the facility to be manufacturing more than 1 million chargers and employ approximately 700 workers.

“Today only 3% of the chargers required globally for the next decade

Fix Auto USA Announces Recipients of Arrow, Community and Top LOR Awards

PublishedOct. 27, 2022

Fix Auto USA announced the top performers in the Fix Auto family during the final day of the Fix Auto USA conference, naming three store owners and their teams with the honors.

Vatche Derderian, a second-generation owner who has multiple Fix Auto USA locations in the Los Angeles area, received the Arrow Award for his longterm leadership of and commitment to the Fix Auto USA family.

He is a founding franchisee, and an engaged market leader on the Fix Auto USA advisory board. Derderian has demonstrated his ability to forge a path forward, bringing his team along with him---no matter the

Maryland Auto Insurance Offers Improved, Interest-Free Installment Payment Plan Option

Published Oct. 27, 2022

Maryland Auto Insuranceis now offering an improved installment payment plan, which will allow more Maryland drivers to take advantage of the interest-free payment plan option.

This new plan is a result of legislation passed during the 2022 legislative session, and it has been approved by the Maryland insurance Administration.

The revised payment plan features a lower down payment of 18% and allows consumers to spread the cost of insurance over nine payments. Previously, Maryland Auto’s installment plan required a 20%-25% down payment and was limited to a maximum of six or eight payments,

Cybertruck Prototype Visits Tesla’s Chief Designer’s Alma Mater

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published Oct. 26, 2022

The TeslaCybertruck showed up at Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen’s alma mater, the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA.

According to the Reddituser LogicalHuman, Tesla’s uniquely-designed Cybertruck was present during the Art Center’s alumni show. The prototype was displayed along with other vehicles.

von Holzhausen was also present during the alumni show; he helped bring CEO Elon Musk’s vision of a never-before-seen pickup truck come to life.

The Cybertruck displayed during the Art Center’s

Michigan’s Latest $526M Tax Incentive Harshly Criticized

Written by Bruce Walker, The Center Square
Published Oct. 26, 2022

Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said 1,569 jobs will be created, and critics are howling at such a cost to taxpayers for expansions to plants already in Michigan.

Whitmer on Oct. 25 said a $526 million tax incentive---that's more than $335,000 per job---is in place for automotive supplier Magnato be used in St. Clair, Highland Park and Shelby Carter Township, MI.

Magna plans to expand the St. Clair plant, which gets the lion's share at $426.6 million in incentives with expectation to create 920 engineering, production and machinery maintenance worker

New Hampshire Businesses Get Break on Unemployment Taxes

Written by Christian Wade, The Center Square
Published Oct. 26, 2022

Payroll costs of New Hampshire businesses will be cut dramatically with the state moving to reduce unemployment insurance taxes.

The New Hampshire Employment Security announced it will be lowering required payments into the state's unemployment insurance system by 30% with the balance of the trust fund that pays out jobless benefits rising above prepandemic levels.

The reduction is required under a new state law that triggers a reduction in contributions employers pay for unemployment coverage if the fund stays above $250 million for more than a calendar year. The fund is set to

Metro New York Auto Retailer Named TIME Dealer of the Year

PublishedOct. 26, 2022

The nomination of Hugh "Jack" Weidinger IV, dealer principal at North Bay Cadillac Co. Inc. in Great Neck, NY, for the 2023 TIMEDealer of the Year award was announced Oct. 26 by TIME.

Weidinger is one of a select group of 48 dealer nominees from across the country to be honored with the award.

The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry's most prestigious and highly coveted honors. The award recognizes the nation's most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service.

Weidinger was chosen to represent the Greater

Biden Agenda Sends $530M to Pair of Massachusetts EV Companies

By Brent Addleman, The Center Square
Published Oct. 26, 2022

A pair of Massachusetts companies will benefit from the push to convert to electric vehicles.

Ascend Elements and 6K Inc.were recipients Oct. 19 of more than $530 million in federal funding through a program designed to support battery manufacturing, recycling and material processing for the electric vehicle market.

$2.8 billion total will go to 20 companies in 12 states.

U.S. Democratic Sens. Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Reps. Jim McGovern and Seth Moulton hailed the

Fire Destroys West Virginia Auto Repair Shop

Written by Jessica Patterson, WOWK TV News
Published Oct. 26, 2022

Crews say no one was hurt after a fire destroyed an auto repair shop in Ripley, WV.

According to crews on scene, employees at R&R Auto Body were working on a vehicle when the vehicle caught fire. Crews said five people were believed to be in the building at the time and everyone made it out safely.

The Ripley, Ravenswood and Southern Jackson volunteer fire departments responded to the scene.

To read more, see

Connecticut Small Businesses Getting $46.6M in 5-Year Plan

By Brent Addleman, The Center Square
Published Oct. 26, 2022

A five-year plan to invest in small businesses in Connecticut is now a reality.

Connecticut will invest $46.6 million in the coming years that will help small business expansion through assistance programs across the state. Nonprofit economic development groups will receive the state grants, authorized at a recent Bond Commission meeting, that will assist small businesses with formation, growth and innovation.

The program, according to the release, will be run by the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development, and will be directed toward underserved small businesses.

VIA Motors Announces New Headquarters and Technical Center in Michigan

PublishedOct. 25, 2022

VIA Motors, a U.S. based commercial EV manufacturer, on Oct. 25 announced its new 98,000-square foot headquarters and technical center in Auburn Hills, MI.

Supported by a $2.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund, administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the facility will act as a regional hub for VIA's vehicle design and testing, including the development of prototype vehicles.

"Our goal is to provide the best electric work trucks for fleets everywhere, and this facility is critical to achieving that goal," said

BMW to Invest $1.7 Billion in SC Plants to Build EVs, Produce Batteries

PublishedOct. 25, 2022

The BMW Group announced a new investment in the U.S. to expand Plant Spartanburg, SC, and the company’s manufacturing footprint in the U.S.

BMW Group Chairman of the Board of Management Oliver Zipse announced Oct. 19 a $1.7 billion investment in its U.S. operations, including $1 billion to prepare for the production of EVs at the company’s existing manufacturing facility in South Carolina, and $700 million to build a new high-voltage battery assembly facility in nearby Woodruff, SC.

By 2030, BMW Group will build at least six fully electric models in the U.S.

Zipse was joined at

Nearly Half a Million Claims Have Been Filed Following Hurricane Ian

PublishedOct. 25, 2022

As insurance claims continue to increase following Hurricane Ian, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is warning victims to beware of post-disaster scams as they begin the rebuilding process.

To date, NICB has identified nearly half a million claims (471,581) related to Hurricane Ian with a majority of the claims (431,702) reported in Florida. Nearly two-thirds of the Florida claims are homeowner and business claims (272,465), and the remaining are personal automobile claims (151,892).

Despite substantial damage to homes, businesses and vehicles following Hurricane Ian, NICB encourages residents to take

PA Junkyard and Auto Repair Shop Ordered to Pay $106,000 in Restitution to Customers

PublishedOct. 25, 2022

Junkyard and auto repair shop Progress Auto Salvage, Inc., and owner and operator Emeka K. Oguejiofor have been ordered to pay $106,044 in restitution to eight customers for violating Pennsylvania consumer protection laws.

The business and Oguejiofor are also permanently prohibited from holding a junkyard and automotive dismantler and recycle license.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced the verdict Oct. 24.

Shapiro said Oguejiofor, along with his business, accepted deposits and advances payments from consumers and failed to do the

Hyundai Breaks Ground on Georgia EV and Battery Plant

PublishedOct. 25, 2022

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp, company officials and state and local leaders officially broke ground Oct. 25 on Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) LLC's new manufacturing plant at the Bryan County Mega site.

The celebration included a morning groundbreaking on site, followed by a future technology expo at Enmarket Arena in Savannah, GA, where the company highlighted "advanced technology and extraordinary human achievement" with a wide array of exhibits for hundreds of attendees from the community in attendance.

The $5.54 billion

Washington, D.C., Auto Group Fined $3.3 Million by FTC for Violating Fair Lending Laws, Adding Fees

Written by Lesley Fair, FTC
Published Oct. 25, 2022

When it comes to the car buying process, there a world of difference between going for a test drive and getting taken for a ride.

A Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaint against Washington, D.C.-based Passport Automotive Group alleged the company deceived customers by packing junk fees onto the cost of its vehicles. According to the complaint, Passport also discriminated against Black and Latino consumers by charging them higher financing costs and fees, in violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the FTC Act.

To settle the case, the

State Farm Insurance Donates $125,000 to Convoy of Hope's Hurricane Ian Response

PublishedOct. 25, 2022

State Farm Insurance has donated $125,000 to assist disaster relief organization Convoy of Hope in its response to Hurricane Ian.

To date, Convoy of Hope has served more than 80,000 people in the wake of Hurricane Ian. More than 1,200 volunteers mobilized to help Convoy serve 21 communities in the most affected parts of Florida.

Hurricane Ian hit Florida as a Category 4 storm, with sustained winds of 155 mph. It is the third-deadliest storm to hit the U.S., eclipsed only by hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. Experts estimate it will take years for certain areas to recover.

"This

Communication, Collaboration and Congratulations at AASP/NJ’s Annual Meeting

Published Oct. 24, 2022

Collision repairers and automotive professionals from all over the Garden State packed the Gran Centurions in Clark, NJ, on Oct. 19 to honor their peers, collaboratively discuss ideas and obtain valuable resources and information during the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey’s (AASP/NJ) Annual Meeting.

After opening remarks from AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee and Executive Director Charles Bryant, the association re-elected Tom Elder of Compact Kars, Mike Kaufmann of the Mike Kaufmann Dealer Group and

Telesis Collision Center Brings Back Monthly Car Cruise in Palmdale, CA

Written by Ed Attanasio, Autobody News
Published Oct. 21, 2022

Starting sometime in the 1980s, a car cruise/show was held every Saturday at the Vons Shopping Center in Palmdale, CA. During the pandemic, the event was cancelled, but now it’s back---thanks to Telesis Collision Center and its owner, Geoff Dozier.

Instead of every Saturday, the cruise now happens only on the fourth Saturday of every month, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the same Vons Shopping Center. Presented by

Classic Collision Expands Again in Florida 

PublishedOct. 21, 2022

Classic Collision, LLC, announced three new shops Oct. 21---the acquisition of Fenders Collision USA in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview, FL, along with a newly renovated facility opening in Orlando. 

Fenders Collision USA started its business wanting to contribute to the safety and happiness of its community and build premier auto body shops doing just that. 

“Our company goal was to help people get back to their routine and lives with ease of mind, and I know the Classic family will uphold that commitment to our customers, and we look forward to being part of Classic’s growth in Florida,” said