Ohio Auto Repair Shop Expands with 2nd Location

By Warren Scott, Herald-Star
Published Oct. 11, 2022

The owners of a Richmond, OH, auto repair shop found they lacked space to serve their many customers, so Roadside Hobby expanded to include a location at 519 Canton Road in Wintersville, OH.

Wintersville Mayor Mike Petrella and other village officials welcomed Randyand Sherri Eddy and their new location with a recent-ribbon cutting ceremony.

Randy said they opened the Richmond location, also on state Route 43, five years ago, but he has been repairing vehicles for at least 30 years.

A 1983 graduate of Brooke High School, he was a

Texas Auto Repair Shop Spans 3 Generations

Written by Trevor Thompson, KTSM 9 News
PublishedOct. 11, 2022

Some jobs just seem to run in the family.

At a car repair shop in the Lower Valley, three generations of men from the Hinojos family have disproved the old adage that you should never go into business with relatives.

Their shop just off Alameda Avenue in El Paso, TX, now known as Advanced Auto Collision Center, goes back more than four decades to a little auto center in Downtown El Paso founded by Tito Hinojos.

Tito’s son, Johnny, and now his grandson, Jason, have since taken the reins of this venture that is

Arizona Military Families Receive NABC Recycled Rides

PublishedOct. 11, 2022

In a presentation Oct. 6, 10 deserving Arizona military families experienced a life-changing moment when they were gifted refurbished vehicles through the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program.

The ceremony, which took place at the USAAFinancial Center in Phoenix, AZ, continued USAA’s “100 Cars for 100 Years” centennial celebration.

Service King Collision, now part of the Crash Champions Collision Repair Team, one of the fastest-growing independent collision repair service providers in the country, co-sponsored the event alongside Charity Cars.

As part of the Recycled Rides

Bayonne Auto Tech and Collision in NJ Open for Business

Written by Al Sullivan, TAPinto Bayonne
Published Oct. 10, 2022

Giving new meaning to the old phrase "everything old is new again," Julio Clavijo recently cut the ribbon on an auto body repair shop near 53rd Street and JFK Boulevard in Bayonne, NJ, taking over from an existing auto body repair facility on that same site.

While Clavijo only opened Bayonne Auto Tech and Collision in September, he isn’t new to Bayonne or even to auto body repair.

Clavijo, who told TAPinto Bayonne he expects to attract customers from the area as well as neighboring Jersey City, also owns an auto mechanic store on 38th Street, a

GA Official Warns of Flood-Damaged Vehicles Being Sold in Wake of Hurricane Ian

PublishedOct. 7, 2022

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carris advising consumers who are buying used cars to be wary of vehicles that might have suffered flood damage as a result of Hurricane Ian. 

“With flood-damaged vehicles likely entering the marketplace in the wake of Hurricane Ian, consumers should take extra precautions when shopping for a used car,” said Carr. “We encourage Georgians to have a trusted mechanic inspect any used vehicle they are thinking of buying before they sign a contract or pay any money.”

Flood-damaged vehicles are often sold at auction and then wind up on used car lots.

Officials Kick Off Tour of Illinois to Highlight Manufacturing Sector

Written by Kevin Bessler, The Center Square
PublishedOct. 7, 2022

Manufacturing officials are hitting the road for a statewide bus tour to talk about the importance of manufacturing in Illinois.

The Illinois Manufacturers Association is hosting the bus tour, which will travel to nearly every region of the state. IMA President and CEO Mark Denzler said not only do they plan to visit manufacturing facilities, but also schools and colleges to highlight job opportunities in the sector.

“Probably the biggest challenge that manufacturers face is finding qualified workers so we have to change the perception that

Nissan Celebrates 5 Million Vehicles Produced at Mississippi Plant

PublishedOct. 7, 2022

Nissancelebrated production of 5 million vehicles at Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant. 

This milestone represents nearly 20 years of Nissan manufacturing in Mississippi and paves the path for electric vehicle production, part of the company’s long-term vision---Nissan Ambition 2030.

For nearly two decades, employees at Nissan Canton have assembled high-quality, award-winning vehicles. The plant’s opening in 2003 brought automotive manufacturing to Mississippi for the first time, and has since contributed to the state’s economic development. 

While its history is rich, the team looks toward future

Classic Collision Enters Florida Panhandle

PublishedOct. 7, 2022

Classic Collision, LLC, a leading national multi-site collision repair operator based in Atlanta, announced the acquisition of three additional facilities in the Florida panhandle---Jimmy’s Paint & Body, Precision Collisionand West Florida Paint & Body. 

Danieland Han Roberts have had more than 25 years of experience servicing the panhandle of Florida between the three locations with one goal in mind: to use top quality parts and materials while providing a pleasant experience to their customers. 

“We felt the culture at Classic Collision has matched what we

Volta, Tucson Electric Power Partner to Improve EV Charging Equity 

PublishedOct. 7, 2022

Volta Inc., an electric vehicle charging and media company, on Oct. 6 announced a collaboration with Tucson Electric Power (TEP), an electric utility serving more than 438,000 customers in Southern Arizona, to install critical public EV charging infrastructure in and around disadvantaged communities in the Tucson area. 

Volta will install eight EV charging stalls at high-traffic locations, such as grocery stores and entertainment venues, to ensure these communities have convenient and affordable charging options. 

These public options are especially critical for renters---nearly 40% of

PepsiCo. Confirms it Will Receive Tesla Semi Truck on Dec. 1 at 2 Facilities

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
PublishedOct. 7, 2022

PepsiCo. confirmed Oct. 7 it is set to receive Tesla’s electric Semi truck Dec. 1 at two of its California facilities.

“We can confirm our first electric Tesla Semis Dec. 1, 2022, supporting our Frito-Lay plant in Modesto, CA, + our PepsiCo beverages plant in Sacramento,” the company said in a statement Oct. 7. “We’re looking forward to this next step in our #PepsiCoPositive journey + will provide more details once we have taken delivery.”

On Oct. 6, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted the Semi had officially started

Richard Fish Announced as Franchisee of the Year at 2022 Fix Auto Conference

PublishedOct. 7, 2022

Fix Auto USA announced the top performers in the Fix Auto family during the final day of the Fix Auto USA conference, naming Richard Fish, owner of multiple Fix Auto USA locations in Orange County and San Diego, as the Fix Auto USA Franchisee of the Year for 2022.

Fish was selected for the top honor for his leadership among the Fix Auto USA network, excellent performance, mentorship of other franchise owners and support for the entire Fix Auto USA family.

“Richard Fish views his franchise relationship as something bigger than himself,” said Landon Thompson, vice

Car-Sharing, Rental Agencies Spar Over Michigan Regulations

Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square
Published Oct. 5, 2022

A Michigan bill package aims to regulate and tax peer-to-peer car-sharing, which users say could increase prices, but traditional rental agencies say they are “agreed upon” standards.

Turois like Airbnb for cars; an owner rents out vehicles to help cover the cost of insurance, registration and rising gas prices. Turo offers convenience and a wide range of vehicles, including sports cars, Escalades and Teslas, often at a lower cost than rental car agencies.

For example, Michiganders may rent a 2015 MaseratiQuattroporte for $203 per day or a

PCC Auto Repair Program Fills Workforce Need in Oregon

Written by Jules Rogers, Business Tribune
PublishedOct. 5, 2022

Portland Community College's Auto Collision Repair Technology program is preparing the next generation of skilled workers to become qualified auto repair technicians.

According to the PCC, employment for auto collision repair technicians is expected to grow in Portland, OR, by 7.3% through 2027---a career in which technicians can expect an annual salary of $50,000 to $80,000 or higher.

Gail Krumenauer, state employment economist with the Oregon Employment Department, said the department projects 10-year growth for 800 different occupations every year, including

Sweeping Fraud Arrests Announced in Pennsylvania Car Title Washing Ring

PublishedOct. 5, 2022

Criminal charges were brought against 19 individuals and 13 businesses for “title washing,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Oct. 5.

The participants in these criminal rings included George Frietto of George’s Garage, Luis Salazar of Salazar Auto Sales and N & G Towing, their employees, several used-car dealers from within and outside Pennsylvania, and an authorized tag and title agency. 

These individuals coordinated to purchase totaled vehicles, falsify inspection information and submit

Car Repair Coverage Company Ordered to Pay $1.7 Million to PA Consumers

PublishedOct. 5, 2022

A court order has been secured for more than $1.7 million in restitution for Pennsylvania residents against Omega Vehicle Services, LLC, which did business as Delta Auto Protect, along with its manager, Charles Seruya, for violating consumer protection laws.

The order was announced Sept. 19 by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro.

Consumers nationwide purchased vehicle service contracts from Delta Auto, with the understanding that the contract would cover needed repairs. When consumers attempted to get coverage or reimbursement, however, Delta Auto would deny

VT Gas Station Demolished, Will Be Retail Complex

PublishedOct. 5, 2022

A former service station and auto repair shop at 67 Pleasant St. at the foot of Hartland Hill Road at the eastern gateway to Woodstock Village, VT, is being demolished to make way for a new, 2,440-square foot building and adjoining 900-square foot service annex.

The new complex will eventually house four as-yet-undisclosed retail operations, according to paperwork filed with the Village of Woodstock by the project developer, Eva Veson of Pleasant Garage LLC.

The Woodstock Village Design Review and Development Review Boards gave their unanimous approvals to the project as presented by Veson and Pleasant Garage LLC’s

California to Crack Down on Catalytic Converter Theft

Written by Madison Hirneisen, The Center Square
Published Oct. 5, 2022

Purchasing a catalytic convertor from anyone other than a licensed auto dismantler or dealer is illegal under a new California law that aims to crack down on theft.

Theft of catalytic converters---devices that are part of vehicle exhaust systems that reduce pollution-causing emissions---has been on the rise within California and nationally in recent years. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, instances of catalytic converter theft rose from 2,198 thefts reported in 2018 to over 14,000 thefts reported in 2020.

Experienced thieves can remove a catalytic

Arizona Shop Owner Responds to Criticism of DRP Opinions 

Written by Ed Attanasio, Autobody News
PublishedOct. 5, 2022

When our first interview with Jim Huard, owner of Painters Collision Centers' two locations in Arizona, was published in June, many shops supported his claims. But others were skeptical and claimed it’s impossible for a body shop to make a profit with DRPs

Members of the Los Angeles/Orange County chapter of the California Autobody Association (CAA) recently met in Seal Beach, CA, to network, learn from one another and hear up-to-date industry information.
  
Part of the Sept. 20 event included a presentation from Tim Ronak, senior services business consultant for AkzoNobel, focused on inflation and its impact on the collision ecosystem.

“Tim spoke about the challenges in the economy and our industry that influence what we are charging our customers,” said CAA President Melanie Allan, vice president of Craftsman Collision USA. “As shop owners and managers, we need to take information like this into consideration when running our businesses so we can

Robert Grieve, owner of Nylund’s Collision Center, said his facility is often referred to as the best auto repair shop in Denver, CO. The multiple award-winning shop owner is committed to providing uncompromising service and precision craftsmanship.

The locally-owned family business employs 20 people and has served the Denver metro and surrounding areas, including Englewood, Highlands Ranch and Littleton, for more than 30 years. 

“Our mission at Nylund’s Collision Center is to provide current and future guests peace of mind, ease and ‘industry best’ repairs,” said Grieve. “We make every effort, every day, to earn our guests’ loyalty and referrals.”

Autobody News talked to Grieve about his business success, the importance of

Videos Keep Everyone in the Loop While Building Trust and Confidence 

Written by Ed Attanasio, Autobody News
Published Sept. 26, 2022

Everyone has that one friend constantly taking photos or shooting videos with their cell phone. Apple's new iPhone 14 has more sophisticated cameras than ever. The camera in my iPhone 13 Max Pro is better than my Nikonand so much easier to use. 

Shops now are using more and more videos to perform tasks all the way from providing quick updates for their employees, partners and customers, to training

Pennsylvania Auto Body Shop Owner Charged with Submitting $426K in Falsified Insurance Claims

The owner of Chalfont Collision Center in Chalfont, PA, submitted nearly 300 false insurance claims over several years to four insurance companies, pocketing more than $426,000 in payouts.

John Paul Reis, 56, of Newtown Township, PA, turned himself in Aug. 25 on charges of insurance fraud, deceptive business practices, forgery and theft by deception, all third-degree felonies. He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Regina Armitage, who set bail at $150,000 unsecured.

The charges filed against Reis are the result of a four-year investigation by the Bucks County District Attorney’s

Members of the collision industry gathered at the 11th Annual Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) Gala in Pittsburgh, PA, on July 20 to show their support for Bryan Miller, an Ohio-based technician and painter recovering from severe burns he suffered from an in-shop fire in September 2021.

The fundraising event, held at the Howl at the Moon restaurant, was the first time CIF has hosted its annual gala since the pandemic. The nonprofit organization is committed to assisting those working in the collision repair industry through crises and tragedies.

“I’m happy to report we had record attendance,” said

Mike’s Auto Body Gave Away 100 Cars in 21 Years, Changing Countless Lives

Written by Ed Attanasio, Autobody News
PublishedAug. 9, 2022

When Crash Champions announced it was acquiringMike’s Auto Body (MAB) in June, many people throughout the Bay Area thought about MAB’s nationally acclaimed Benevolence Program.

It became part of the brand at Mike’s

In the summer of 2019, Southeastern Community College (SCC) in West Burlington, IA, hired Dr. Ashlee Spannagel as its new dean of career and technical education (CTE) and workforce development.

Spannagelentered the job excited and ready to take on the world---and then the pandemic hit. It’s been a “work around” project ever since, but she hasn’t been dissuaded one iota, taking the position and making it her own as the school’s collision repair department benefits in many ways.

Spannagel came to SCC after working in education for nine years. One of the first things she did was to build relationships with established area

Georgia Taxpayers to Provide $1.8B in Incentives to Hyundai for New EV Plant

Georgia governments and development authorities offered Hyundai Motor Group more than $1.8 billion in incentives.

In May, Hyundai said it had selected Georgia for its first fully dedicated electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facility. The plan calls for Hyundai to invest more than $5.5 billion in building the facility in the 2,923-acre Bryan County Megasite along Interstate 16, while non-affiliated Hyundai suppliers plan to invest roughly $1 billion in the project.

Hyundai received a 26-year property tax abatement and

Why Online Customer Reviews Are More Important than Ever

Written by Ed Attanasio, Autobody News
Published July 6, 2022

Every transaction has a value in terms of both human resources and money, and online reviews from customers play a significant role in both for any business.

Many auto body shop owners and managers use review sites to connect with customers and get feedback. But many are still skeptical about the authenticity of the reviews posted.

Before the online consumer review industry gained momentum roughly 18 years ago when Yelp was founded, people had to rely on

CAA Says a New Kind of Insurer Steering is Impacting the Industry

Written by Ed Attanasio, Autobody News
Published July 5, 2022

The California Autobody Association (CAA) recently held a one-hour Zoom meeting with the California Department of Insurance (CA-DOI), covering a handful of topics of interest to the entire membership.

One particular subject that has been a pebble in CAA’s shoe for several years was brought up again during the meeting. You might be thinking that pebble was ...

Massachusetts Auto Body Shops Fight for Better Reimbursement Rates

Collision repair industry leaders, along with a row of tow trucks, paraded outside the Massachusetts State House on May 18 to demand action on two proposed bills before lawmakers that would raise the state's lowest-in-the-nation reimbursement rates.

House Bill 1111 and State Bill 709 are an “Act to establish a minimum reimbursement rate to insurance claimants" and are currently being argued in a joint committee.

According to supporters, ...

Auto Body Shop Veteran Says DRPs Can Be Profitable If Done Right

Autobody News recently sat down with Jim Huard to talk about what’s important to him and the current state of the collision repair industry.

Jim and Kelly Huard are the co-owners of Painters Collision Centers with two locations in Queen Creek and Chandler, AZ. Their goal is 10 locations within the next two years through smart and strategic