Car ADAS Solutions Signs First NY Calibration Center, Largest Licensee

Empire ADAS in Clifton Park, NY, operates out of a 6,800-square-foot facility.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 14, 2023

Car ADAS Solutions announced the addition of Empire ADAS, LLC, a new licensee in Clifton Park, NY. The company’s 6,800-square-foot facility is the largest Car ADAS Solutions licensee in the country.

Michael Trimarchi, operations manager for Empire ADAS, said the company is committed to providing quality service,

Longtime Sun Valley, CA, Body Shop Joins ProColor Collision Network

ProColor Collision Sun Valley is led by an owner with more than 40 years of experience in the industry.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 14, 2023

ProColor Collision continued its growth in California with its newest location in Sun Valley. 

ProColor Collision Sun Valley is owned and operated by Paul Simityan, who has more than 40

Tom Ogaz Installed as Chair of CAWA's 2024 Board of Directors

Ogaz and other key officers were sworn in during the organization's annual dinner gala held as part of Industry Week. 

Written by Autobody News Staff
PublishedNov. 13, 2023

Tom Ogaz, general manager of Parts Authorityin Southern California, was officially installed as the chair of the Board of Directors for the California Automotive Wholesalers' Association (CAWA) during the organization's annual dinner gala held as part of Industry

North Carolina EV Fast-Charger Production Plant Receives Certification

The Finland-based company can now start production at its first facility in North America.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 13, 2023

Kempower, a designer and manufacturer of DC fast-charging solutions for electric vehicles, announced it received Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) certification from Intertek Testing Laboratories, allowing for production to begin at its new production facility in Durham, NC.

“This is a major milestone for our company,

Crash Champions Acquires Queen City Auto Rebuild in Redmond, WA

The national MSO now has 30 locations in Washington State, and more than 600 across the country.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 13, 2023

Crash Champions on Nov. 13 announced continued expansion across the state of Washington with the acquisition of Queen City Auto Rebuild in Redmond, WA.

With more than four decades of experience, Queen City Auto Rebuild has earned a reputation as a leading premium and luxury certified collision repair operator serving the Pacific

Classic Collision Expands to 250 Locations with Colorado Acquisitions

The national MSO bought three collision repair centers in the Denver area.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 13, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, expanded its national footprint with the acquisition of three renowned auto repair centers in Colorado. The expansion marks a significant milestone for the company, reaching its 250th location.

The acquired entities---Vintage Autoworks & Collision in Littleton, Body’s by Brown in Englewood and Northern

Precision Diagnostics Expands to 3 New Markets

The Wisconsin-based company now offers sublet diagnostics and ADAS calibration in 11 states.

Written by Autobody News Staff
PublishedNov. 10, 2023

Madison, WI-based Precision Diagnostics announced its expansion into three new markets: Michigan, Indiana and Kansas City, bringing its total state coverage to 11.

"Expanding into these three new markets presented an opportunity for us to continue to grow into areas that are currently underserved when it comes to needing a quality sublet

Classic Collision Adds New Location in Orlando

Brennan Bodyworks has served its area for more than 30 years.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 10, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Nov. 10, the acquisition of Brennan Bodyworksin Orlando, FL.

For more than 30 years, Brennan's has been one of Orlando's trusted premier auto collision centers. The team at Brennan’s has invested in top-of-line equipment and holds several certifications to offer a wide range of vehicle repairs. 

“We have always gone

Schaefer Autobody Golf Tournament Raises Record-Breaking $80,000 for St. Louis Children's Hospital

Scott and Sarah Schaefer host the tournament every year in memory of their late son, David Ian Schaefer.

Written by Autobody News Staff
PublishedNov. 10, 2023

Schaefer Autobody Centers donated $80,000 to St. Louis Children's Hospital, following its annual David Ian Charity Golf Tournament, held Sept. 25. This generous contribution, marking a new record in the tournament's history, will make a significant impact on children and their families at Children's

Retired U.S. Army Veteran Runs CARSTAR Location with Military Precision

Ron Vallario served 23 years in the U.S. Army Special Forces before returning home to the collision repair business his father started.

Written by Autobody News Staff
PublishedNov. 10, 2023

Ron Vallario, owner of CARSTAR Superior Auto Body in Pinellas Park, FL, grew up in a military family and the collision repair family business. It’s that military discipline that has helped drive his success as a longtime CARSTAR owner.

Ron’s father, Rudolph

NABC Recycled Rides Program Presents Vehicle to Purple Heart Recipient

Tampa-area veteran Javier Torres served in the U.S. Army 173rd Airborne from 2004 to 2008.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 10, 2023

On Nov. 7, a Tampa, FL-area veteran and Purple Heart recipient was presented a vehicle thanks to the National Auto Body Council(NABC) Recycled Rides^® program, along with nonprofit Wounded Warrior Project, which nominated the recipient, car donor Hertzand collision repair partner Crash Champions in Longwood, FL, where the presentation was held.

Javier Torres received a 2021 Chevy Tahoe. Torres is a true

New Orleans Man Sentenced for Using Auto Body Shop to Traffic Cocaine

Hakim Shabazz was convicted of hiding shipments of cocaine in gas canisters in his shop before distributing them.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 9, 2023

Hakim Shabazz, 46, of New Orleans, LA, was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to receive and distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced in a news release.

Shabazz was sentenced Nov. 2 by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey, who

Former Oklahoma Dealership Owner Sentenced to Almost 11 Years for Fraud Scheme

Bobby Chris Mayes and two co-defendants were accused of falsifying customers' loan applications and bribing at least one loan officer.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 9, 2023

Bobby Chris Mayes, 51, of Norman, OK, former owner of Big Red Dealerships, was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison for a complex web of wire fraud, conspiracy, issuing forged securities, aggravated identity theft and obstruction of justice., U.S. Attorney

Car ADAS Solutions Announces New Texas Licensee

The team at Smart Vehicle Solutions got help with staff training and finding and permitting the right building to open a calibration business.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 8, 2023

Car ADAS Solutions announced the addition of Smart Vehicle Solutions, a new licensee in Farmers Branch, TX. Established by Tim Pappadopoulos in 2023, the company’s goal is to return every customer vehicle road-ready and safer than the day it was built.

“We constantly remind ourselves

Maine Voters Approve Right to Repair Ballot Question

More than 84% of voters answered "yes" to whether or not independent repairers should have access to in-vehicle telematics.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 8, 2023

A referendum question on Maine’s ballot asking voters if independent repairers should have the same access to vehicle data as dealerships received overwhelming support at the polls Nov. 7.

Question 4 on the ballot asked: Do you want to require vehicle manufacturers to standardize on-board diagnostic systems and provide remote

Shawn Crozat Recognized with 2023 NABC Changing and Saving Lives Award

The CEO of G&C Auto Body is continuing a tradition of giving back to the community started by his father.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 7, 2023

The National Auto Body Council (NABC) announced the winner of the NABC Changing and Saving Lives Award during the SCRSRed Carpet Awards Gala at the 2023 SEMA Show, naming Shawn Crozat, CEO of G&C Auto Body in California, the recipient of the award.

The NABC Changing and

Swickard Auto Group Buys Mercedes-Benz Dealerships in Hawaii

The auto dealership group acquired dealerships in Honolulu and Maui and a service center in Kona.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 7, 2023

Swickard Auto Group entered the Hawaiian market through the acquisition of Mercedes-Benzdealerships in Honolulu and Maui, along with a cutting-edge service center in Kona.

The newly acquired Hawaii locations join Swickard Auto Group's array of high-performing Mercedes-Benz stores, spread across Alaska, California, Oregon, Texas and

Toyota Announces Additional $8 Billion Investment at NC EV Battery Plant

This brings the automaker's total investment to approximately $13.9 billion and job creation to more than 5,000.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 7, 2023

Toyotaon Oct. 31 announced a new investment of nearly $8 billion that will add approximately 3,000 jobs at Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC). This brings total investment to approximately $13.9 billion and job creation to more than 5,000---further supporting Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to global vehicle

Quality Collision Group Acquires 3 NC Collision Centers

Relentless Collision has locations in Raleigh, Cary and Durham.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 6, 2023

Quality Collision Group (QCG) announced the acquisition of three Relentless Collision locations in North Carolina. 

Todd McGowan launched Relentless Collision in 2020 to establish cutting-edge high-tech repair centers in North Carolina. Currently operating from three locations in Raleigh, Cary and Durham, Relentless Collision has a second Raleigh

More Technicians Needed in PA to Fix Broken EV Charging Stations

SAE International is developing a certification program for charging station maintenance, which should be available by the end of this year.

Written by Lauren Jessop, The Center Square
Published Nov. 3, 2023

Pennsylvania’s share of broken EV charging stations, although small, points to a much bigger problem: there aren’t enough certified technicians to fix them.

There are currently just under 63,000 DC Fast and Level 2 public charging stations with more than 161,000 charging ports across the country. According to data provided by the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation’s website, approximately 7,900 ports at 4,200

Mitsubishi Ordered to Pay PA Man $977M for Injuries Caused by Defective Seatbelt

The 2017 rollover accident left Francis Amagasu, 58, a quadriplegic.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 3, 2023

A jury in Philadephia, PA, decided Oct. 30 that Mitsubishi Motors North America must pay a Pennsylvania man $977 million for damages after he was left permanently and severely injured when his seatbelt failed in a rollover accident.

Francis Amagasu, 58, and his wife were awarded $177 million in compensatory damages and $800 million in

Pennsylvania May Strengthen Distracted Driving Laws

State Sen. Rosemary Brown has introduced a bill that would prohibit the use of handheld devices while operating a vehicle.

Written by Lauren Jessop, The Center Square
Published Nov. 3, 2023

A recent report said Pennsylvania's distracted driving laws lag behind other states when it comes to preventing crashes.

And, there's at least one proposal on the table that could improve that ranking and make roads safer.

WhistleOut compared distracted driving laws by state and awarded the commonwealth a grade of “D” because it has only one of the three laws they use as criteria---bans on using handheld devices, young drivers using

Tesla Found Not Responsible for Fatal Autopilot Crash

The landmark case was the first one brought against the automaker for a crash that caused a death.

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Nov. 2, 2023

Teslawas victorious in the first-ever U.S. trial that claimed its Autopilot system was responsible for a death in a crash that occurred in 2019.

On Oct. 31, a California state jury ruled there was no manufacturing defect in Tesla’s Autopilot suite, which cleared the automaker’s driver assistance feature of any wrongdoing.

In 2019, Micah Lee’s Tesla Model 3 suddenly veered off the highway in Los Angeles, CA. The vehicle then struck a palm tree and burst

CA-Based Insurance Company to Pay $1.1M to Settle Delayed Claims Investigations

Alliance United Insurance faced a civil suit in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, alleging it frequently failed to respond promptly to claims.

Written by Autobody News Staff
PublishedNov. 2, 2023

Alliance United Insurance, a Los Angeles-based auto and casualty insurance provider, agreed to a $1.1 million settlement following allegations of inadequate and delayed investigations into auto accident claims, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón

NABC Recycled Rides Donates Vehicle to Florida Nonprofit

The Divine Flight Foundation will use the 2021 Hyundai Tucson in its mission to support families across the state.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 2, 2023

On Nov. 1, a fully restored vehicle was donated to the Divine Flight Foundation, a community organization that promotes access to holistic educational opportunities for families across Florida.

The ceremonial giveaway was part of the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides program, and took place at Crash

NABC Recycled Rides Program Donates Vehicles to 2 Oklahoma City Veterans

The gifts will give the veterans the freedom to travel to work, doctor appointments and elsewhere on their own schedules.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 2, 2023

On Oct. 16, two deserving Oklahoma City, OK-area veterans were presented vehicles to provide them independence and the ability to work, thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program, along with GEICO, which donated the vehicles, and collision repair partners Gerber Collision & Glass in Norman and Oklahoma City. The presentation was held at Gerber's Oklahoma City location.

Nonprofit

Classic Collision Acquires Collision Craft in Memphis, TN

The move marks the nationwide operator's first foray into the Memphis market.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 1, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, headquartered in Atlanta, announced its expansion into the Memphis, TN, market with the acquisition of Collision Craft, a multi-site operator with a legacy spanning more than four decades. 

"We have strived to be the auto repair facility people turn to for all their automotive needs in Shelby County, and know handing over the

Crash Champions Opens New Tampa, FL-Area Repair Center

The national collision repair operator now has 52 locations in the Sunshine State.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 31, 2023

Crash Champions announced the opening of a new high-quality collision repair center serving customers in the greater Tampa, FL, area. The 21,000-square-foot repair center at 3107 E. State Road in Valrico officially opened to customers Oct. 23.

“This state-of-the-art repair center is another proud step forward in our mission to provide Florida residents and the Tampa area with high-quality, trusted repair service,” said Matt Ebert, Crash Champions founder and CEO. “We look forward

Crash Champions Expands into Alabama with Acquisition of 3-Location MSO

Auto Craft Collision Centers has three repair facilities in Baldwin County.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 31, 2023

Crash Champions announced its acquisition of Auto Craft Collision Centers, a regional multi-shop operator based in Alabama. The deal, which officially closed Oct. 27, signals Crash Champions' entrance into the state.

With this acquisition, the company added three established collision centers to its portfolio, in Daphne, Fairhope and Gulf

J & R Auto Body and Paint Unveils New State-of-the-Art Repair Shop in Vista, CA

The new 13,000-square-foot space will allow the 16-year business to continue offering top-tier service and support in North County San Diego.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 27, 2023

J & R Auto Body and Paint, Inc., a family-owned and locally operated collision repair center, is excited to announce its recent relocation to a larger and more advanced facility at 2509 S. Santa Fe Ave. in Vista. This move is a testament to their commitment to providing top-tier