Potentially Groundbreaking Tesla Autopilot Trial Begins in California

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
PublishedSept. 28, 2023

Teslawent to trial Sept. 28 in what could be an important trial in terms of driver assistance features.

Opening statements were set to begin in a California courtroom in a case stemming from a crash that resulted in the death of one person and injuries to two more, who are suing Tesla and accusing Autopilot of causing the accident.

In 2019, Micah Lee’s Tesla Model 3 suddenly veered off a Los Angeles highway at 65 mph and struck a palm tree, according to the suit, filed by the two passengers and Lee’s estate. The car then caught fire.

Ttwo

Penske Dealerships in Texas Sustain Hail Damage

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 28, 2023

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. announced severe storms at its Genesis, Honda, Hyundai and Toyotadealerships in Round Rock, TX, caused significant hail damage to more than 750 new, used and customer service loaner vehicles.

The company estimates these vehicles represent more than $27 million in inventory value. Most of the damaged vehicles are not repairable and are anticipated to be total losses.

Penske is assessing the damage to determine their financial impact. Some of the damage is expected to be covered by insurance, but Penske will incur

Missouri Hands-Free Law Has Prevented 80 Crashes

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 28, 2023

A month after Missouri’s new hands-free law went into effect Aug. 28, research from Cambridge Mobile Telematics showed technology-driven distracted driving among the state's drivers dropped 2.86%, helping to prevent 80 crashes and $1.8 million in economic damages to date.  

One month before the law, drivers in Missouri spent an average of 1 minute and 45 seconds of every hour behind the week handling their phones. Since the law began, distracted driving in Missouri has dropped to 1 minute and 42 seconds.

CMT’s research shows every 10% decrease in distracted driving reduces the crash rate

ProColor Collision Santa Ana Opens in California

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 28, 2023

ProColor Collision Santa Ana, formerly known as S&C Auto Body Shop, recently opened at 1020 N. Harbor Blvd. in Santa Ana, CA.

Owners William and Ranya Mudawarjoined ProColor Collision to continue the growth plan for their family-owned auto shop business that has served southern California for 35 years. Theirs is a full-service collision repair facility performing superior quality repairs for personal and commercial vehicles in the Santa Ana area.

ProColor Collision Santa Ana showcases the Mudawars' dedication to providing exceptional

Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to PPP Loan Fraud

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 27, 2023

Reginald Alphonso Hopkins, 52, of Prince George's County, MD, pleaded guilty Sept. 27 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, after receiving $1 million in fraudulent PPP funds and applying to get $3.1 million more.

If the plea agreement is accepted by the court, Hopkins will be sentenced to between 18 months and 41 months in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2024.

Between June 2020 and March 2021, a co-conspirator submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications for Prestige Executive Transportation, Prestige 24/7 Auto Sales & Services LLC and Prestige

Tesla Plans for Major Supercharger Expansion in Las Vegas

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Sept. 27, 2023

Teslais planning a major Supercharger expansion in Las Vegas, with more than 75 new stalls to be available to EV drivers by the end of the year.

Tesla already operates Superchargers in a variety of locations across Sin City, but the demand for charging locations is increasing. The automaker announced on a small, curbside sign it was planning to bring more stalls and stations to various areas of the city.

Its three most notable Las Vegas Superchargers are located on S. Las Vegas Boulevard, which features 24 V3 chargers, at the city’s convention center, where 12 V3

Charlotte Woman Accused of Submitting Fake Auto Body Work Invoice

Written by Doug Coats, Queen City News
Published Sept. 26, 2023

A Charlotte, NC, woman is being charged with insurance fraud after being accused of presenting an invoice for car repair that never occurred.

The N.C. Department of Insurance said on March 23, Joquetta Jacqueline Clair, 23, of Steele Creek, presented a fictitious invoice from a collision center to her insurance company showing that damage to her 2015 DodgeCharger had been repaired. However, the collision center reportedly never did the repair work nor produced the invoice.

The case is being investigated by the DOI’s Criminal Investigations

Ford Pauses $3.5B EV Plant Despite $1.7B Subsidy

Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square
Published Sept. 26, 2023

Despite $1.7B of promised taxpayer incentives for the plant and site readiness, Ford Motor Co. says it’s not confident about its ability to competitively run its Marshall, MI, electric vehicle plant.

Lawmakers and Ford said the plant would create 2,500 jobs paying an average wage of $45,136.

“We’re pausing work and limiting spending on construction on the Marshall project until we’re confident that we’ll be able to competitively operate the plant,” Ford spokesman T.R. Reid told The Center Square in an email. “There are a number of considerations.

Despite Incentives to Manufacturers, Georgia Cities Rank Poorly for EV Owners

Written by T.A. DeFeo, The Center Square
Published Sept. 26, 2023

While Georgia officials dole out billions in taxpayer-backed incentives for manufacturers of electric vehicles and related components, the state's cities don't rank particularly high in a nationwide analysis of the best cities to own an electric car.

Roof Gnome's new ranking of 2023's Best Cities to Own an Electric Car found Macon was the seventh worst city for electric vehicle owners---and 194th overall. Atlanta ranked 112th out of the 200 cities on the list and fared the best of any Georgia city.

Augusta ranked 178th, Columbus came in at No. 162, and

Intertek Unveils Electrification Centre of Excellence Near Detroit

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 26, 2023

Intertekannounced the grand opening of its Electrification Centre of Excellence at its Transportation Technologies lab in Plymouth, MI, to deliver science-based solutions to automotive manufacturers and their supply chains to support the industry’s global move towards electric mobility.

Intertek CEO André Lacroix kicked off the grand opening celebration by looking ahead to the future of the electric vehicle market and its contribution to a sustainable future. 

“The need to find sustainable and cleaner solutions for vehicles has accelerated the

Frank Flora Accident Repair Opens New Location in FL

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 26, 2023

Frank Flora Accident Repairrecently opened a new shop in Jupiter, FL, expanding its reach and services to the local community, it announced in a news release.

With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Frank Flora Accident Repair is known for its high-quality collision repair services, using state-of-the-art technology and equipment to ensure the best results for its customers.

The new shop in Jupiter is a testament to Frank Flora Accident Repair’s commitment to providing top-notch services to its customers. The facility is equipped with the latest technology and equipment,

Ewald Automotive Group Acquires 2 Dealerships in Wisconsin

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 25, 2023

The Ewald Automotive Group has acquired the Volkswagen, Buick and GMCfranchises located on Main Street in Menomonee Falls, WI, it announced in a news release. 

The dealerships will offer the sale of new Volkswagen, Buick and GMC vehicles, as well as certified used cars, trucks and SUVs. There also will be large automobile and truck service repair centers on site, staffed with experienced personnel.

"We are extremely excited to add these brands to our product portfolio in an effort to better serve our customers," said

Polestar Opens Retail Location in North Carolina

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 25, 2023

Polestaropened a new retail location in Charlotte, NC, at 4425 Sharon Road, Ste. S140, it announced in a news release. 

The latest Polestar Space---the first in North Carolina and 31st in North America---helps to address the need for more electric vehicle retail options in the state, as it saw a 50% increase in EV registrations in 2022.

"Polestar Charlotte represents the latest addition to our rapidly expanding retail network and marks our brand's debut in the Carolinas," said Gregor Hembrough, head of Polestar North America. "With this new location, customers in

Austin Auto Body Shop Recognized by Tesla as Top Performer

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 22, 2023

Autocraft Bodywerk’s North Austin location, specializing in the repair and restoration of Teslamodels, has been recognized by Tesla as the Top Performer during the second quarter for collision repair in the U.S. Southwest Region, and eighth overall out of more than 700 TACC shops in North America, announced Tammie Harper, general manager at the North Austin location, in a news release.

Autocraft Bodywerks, established in 1984, opened the North Austin location at 12131 Roxie Drive in 2019. 

“This is a wonderful achievement,” Autocraft Principal

Colorado Trying to Boost EVs Tenfold by 2030 with Thousands in Rebates, Credits

Written by Shirleen Guerra, The Center Square
Published Sept. 22, 2023

By handing out thousands in rebates and credits, the state of Colorado has an ambitious plan to get more electric vehicles on the road.

There are up to $26,000 in state and federal subsidies available to Colorado motorists looking to buy electric vehicles as part of the state's plan to increase the number of EVs on roads by 2030 by more than tenfold.

The state's goal is to have 940,000 EVs in the light-duty sector on the road within seven years. As of January, there were 72,840 EVs on the road in Colorado, according to Drive Electric

Maryland Has Given 12,836 EV Rebates for $28M

Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square
Published Sept. 22, 2023

Maryland has given 12,836 electric vehicle rebate credits between fiscal year 2011 and 2022 for $28.7 million.

The program allows up to a $3,000 excise tax credit for battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The battery electrics are fully electric and have rechargeable batteries; plug-in hybrids use a battery and gasoline-powered internal combustion engine.

The Maryland Zero Emission EV Infrastructure Council targets 600,000 registrations statewide by 2030 to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 1.61 million metric tons.

Maryland

Hyundai Allegedly Rushing Construction on $7.6B EV Factory in GA Due to IRA Incentives

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published Sept. 22, 2023

Hyundaiis reportedly rushing the construction of its $7.6 billion electric vehicle and battery production facility due to the EV tax incentives tied to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The South Korean automaker has been moving fast to produce EVs in the U.S. since President Joe Biden passed the Inflation Reduction Act. The IRA rewards domestic EV and battery production, prompting foreign car makers to establish roots in North America or any country with a free trade agreement with the U.S.

Hyundai, which includes the Kia

Huge Sinkhole Devours Trio of Cadillacs at Massachusetts Dealer After Flooding

Written by Stephen Rivers, CarScoops
Published Sept. 22, 2023

Floods can be especially damaging for automobiles but something few ever expect is the ground to swallow up their car as a result. That’s exactly what happened with three Cadillac SUVs at a Massachusetts dealer after a flash flood. The incident

Hota Group Expanding Manufacturing Operations to New Mexico

Written by Tom Joyce, The Center Square
Published Sept. 22, 2023

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Hota Industrial ManufacturingChairman David Shen announced the Taiwanese company will expand business operations into New Mexico.

Hota signed an agreement for a 30-acre parcel in the Westpark Industrial Park in Santa Teresa, NM. Construction on its new plant will begin in 2024, according to a press release.

The manufacturer will hire 350 employees and invest $99 million in the state. It may also expand operations in New Mexico later this decade. Hota produces automotive gears for North American

Tesla Giga Texas Looking to Grow to 60K Workers when Cybertruck Ramps: Report

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published Sept. 22, 2023

Jason Shawhan, Tesla’s director of manufacturing at Giga Texas, recently gave a rare talk about the facility’s operations and the company’s future plans at the State of Manufacturing Conference & Expo, held by the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association.

Shawhan confirmed a report from the Austin Business Journal that Giga Texas is now the second-largest private employer in the region, currently employing more than 20,000 workers---a notable increase from the 12,277 employees Tesla confirmed at the end of 2022. The

Rivian Opens Store in Brooklyn for Demo Drives, More

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published Sept. 22, 2023

On Sept. 22, Rivian officially opened the doors to its new retail store in Brooklyn, a few blocks from Domino Park and the Williamsburg Bridge. Rivian invited customers to visit its Brooklyn store to explore R1T and R1S options.

“Think playground, not showroom. You’re welcome to jump in and on our vehicles,” Rivian said.

Rivian’s new store does look like a playground for adults, especially if you’re into outdoor adventure. Besides the Rivian R1T all-electric pickup truck and the R1S electric SUV, customers can also purchase outdoor gear for their upcoming adventures....

Houston Area Man Sentenced for Embezzling Millions from Employer

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept 21, 2023

Preston Allen Fredrich, 35, of Missouri City, TX, was ordered to prison in a long-running scheme that cost his employer millions of dollars, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced in a news release.

Allen pleaded guilty to wire fraud Aug. 17, 2022. On Sept. 20, 2023, he was sentenced by a federal judge to 21 months in prison, to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. In imposing the sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Keith Ellison noted the uniquely intimate nature of the crime.

From at least 2018

NABC Recycled Ride Donated to Chicago Area Recipient

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 21, 2023

On Sept. 12, Michelle Shaw of Chicago received a vehicle to provide her independence and the ability to work and take care of her family, thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides^® program.
 
The presentation was held at the CIECA CONNEX Conferencein Bloomington, IL.

The 2014 DodgeDurango was donated by Travelersand refurbished by Gerber Collision & Glass of Oak Lawn, IL. Honk for Help and Armstrong Towing donated the 130-mile tow to the event.

“I want to thank

New EV Charger Manufacturing Facility Set to Open in Durham, NC

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 20, 2023

Engineers, builders, board members and investors took their final tours of the highly anticipated KempowerEV charging plant opening in Durham, NC, the company said in a news release.

“To say that we are excited to be rounding the corner in the final stretch ahead of full production of this three-building, 170,000-square-foot plant is an understatement,” said Tim Joyce, president, Kempower North America. 

The fast charging solutions provider is currently testing its modular and scalable Kempower Satellite charging system before its pending grand

Hertz, NYC Mayor Launch ‘Hertz Electrifies New York City’

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 20, 2023

During New York City Climate Week, HertzCEO Stephen Scherr and New York City Mayor Eric Adams launched "Hertz Electrifies New York City," a public-private partnership aimed at increasing electric vehicle (EV) adoption and extending the environmental and economic benefits of electrification across neighborhoods, Hertz said in a news release.

Through the initiative, Hertz intends to add up to 1,700 rental EVs to its local fleet, create 100 new jobs to serve its growing New York presence, and partner with four public high schools to create EV education and

Warren Henry Auto Group Acquires Niles Sales and Service in Key West, FL

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 20, 2023

Warren Henry Auto Group, a dealership group in Florida, announced in a news release the expansion of Keys Auto Center (KAC) with the acquisition of Niles Sales and Service, broadening KAC's product range to include five more brands: Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Nissanand Cadillac. In total, KAC will offer 13 brands to residents in the Lower Keys.

"I've been impressed by Jack Niles and his operation for a long time," said Larry Zinn, executive general manager of Warren Henry Auto Group. "It's an honor to

Before Dave Niestroy opened 3D Auto Body in West Chester, PA, in 1981, he spent free time in high school doing repairs in his parents’ garage. Now, 3D Collision Centers spans three counties in southeastern Pennsylvania, with seven physical locations and one satellite location at a Subarudealership.

Patrick McCready, operations manager, said 3D stayed at one location until the late ‘90s, and then began opening two at a time every few years until the most recent addition in 2017.

“Dave worked closely with insurance partners to find markets that needed a strong, DRP-friendly shop,” McCready said.

3D Collision Centers
West Chester, PA
610-692-7776
...

PHOTO GALLERY: Classic Cars and Music Show Held in Carlsbad, CA

PublishedSept. 19, 2023

Spar Customs Productions hosted its monthly Classic Cars and Music show Sept. 17 at the Windmill Food Hall in Carlsbad, CA.

Held from noon to 4 p.m. the third Sunday of every month, the show features live music, a vintage marketplace and 14 food vendors, and is dog- and family-friendly.

The

United Recyclers Group, Team PRP to Sponsor NABC F.R.E.E. Program in Virginia

PublishedSept. 19, 2023

The National Auto Body Council^® announced United Recyclers Group (URG) and Team PRP have signed on as presenting sponsors for the NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) program at the renowned Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Vehicle Research Center in Ruckersville, VA.

The IIHS NABC F.R.E.E. event presented by URG and Team PRP, scheduled for Oct. 10 and 12, will feature a two-day demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication, preparing them to provide the best response for car accident victims in the

Nxu Announces First Megawatt+ Charging Site Along Major Highway Corridor

PublishedSept. 19, 2023

Nxu Inc., a domestic technology company creating EV charging and energy storage solutions, is under contract to purchase the site for its first deployment of megawatt+ charging, in Quartzsite, AZ.

Located on a major highway corridor immediately off exit 19 on Interstate 10, the Nxu One Megawatt+ Charging location will provide a much-needed charging experience for the growing number of consumer and commercial EVs regularly traveling on this major freeway between Phoenix and Los Angeles.

The Nxu One Charging System is the only universal, dual-technology solution available for public charging. With a