Texas Has Given 6,751 EV Rebate Credits for $16M

By Scott McClallen, The Center Square
Published Sept. 19, 2023

Texas’ electric vehicle rebate program has gave 6,751 rebates for $16.3 million from 2014 through August 2022.

The Texas Emissions Reduction Program offers a $2,500 rebate for buying or leasing an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle on top of a $7,500 federal subsidy.

Victoria Cann, communication specialist with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, told The Center Square in an email the rebates apply for select new light-duty motor vehicles powered by compressed natural gas, liquified petroleum gas, hydrogen fuel cell, or plug-in or plug-in hybrid to encourage

Valley Collision–Mesa in Arizona Joins 1Collision

PublishedSept. 19, 2023

1Collisionis excited to announce the addition of Valley Collision–Mesa in Arizona to the nationwide network. 

Established in January, the family owned and operated business was founded by Dennis Kennealy, who has 30 years of industry experience, and Ryan Cochran, who has a background in commercial real estate development. Kennealy said Cochran’s background will be vital as Valley Collision looks to expand its footprint in the metro Phoenix area and beyond.

"Dennis is an industry veteran and has a wealth of knowledge he can bring to our network," said John

NABC Hosts Honoring Our Heroes Golf Fundraiser in Missouri on Sept. 11

Published Sept. 18, 2023

Avid golfers from the collision repair industry and local St. Louis businesses had an opportunity to tee it up at the legendary Boone Valley Golf Club on Sept. 11 for the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Honoring Our Heroes Pars for Cars Golf Fundraiser presented by Enterprise. Jackie Smith, who played for the St. Louis Cardinals in the NFL and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994, was on hand for the festivities and performed the National Anthem to kick off the awards presentation.

Boone Valley Golf Club is one of the premier private golf resorts in St. Louis. The 18-hole

Group: Ohio Significantly Impacted by UAW Strike

Written by J.D. Davidson, The Center Square
Published Sept. 18, 2023

An Ohio manufacturers trade group believes the state bears the brunt of the negative economic impact from the United Auto Workers strike that entered its fourth day Sept. 18.

The Ohio Manufacturers Association urged union leaders and the nation’s Big Three automakers to step up negotiations to end the strike that some think is closing in on nearly a $10 billion impact nationwide.

The strike includes workers at the StellantisToledo Assembly

Classic Collision Enters Virginia

Published Sept. 15, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced six new closings Sept. 15---the acquisition of Elite Auto Body Group in Virginia.

Elite Auto Body is one of the largest independently owned groups in the Tidewater area, where customers have been their most important asset. The Elite team has taken pride in building a relationship with each customer and taking exceptional care of their needs.

“We are not just here to fix the vehicle. We want to make this experience as positive as possible and are excited to be the first group to become Classic Collision in the state of Virginia,” said Chris Bucci, former owner of Elite Auto

Midwest Auto Care Alliance Announces Executive Board

PublishedSept. 15, 2023

The Midwest Auto Care Alliance (MWACA) is pleased to announce the installation of its new executive board members during its Fall Leadership Summit held Sept. 8-10 in Lake of the Ozarks, MO.

The new board consists of industry veterans and its leadership is poised to guide MWACA into a bright future.

Newly Elected Officers

• President Summer Guerrero, Affinity Automotive Services, Wichita, KS
• Vice President Travis Troy, Honest Wrenches Automotive Repair, Des Moines,

Crash Champions Charity Golf Tournament Raises Record $165,000 for Make-A-Wish® Illinois

PublishedSept. 15, 2023

The Crash Champions Collision Repair Team on Sept. 15 proudly announced its longstanding Charity Golf Outing event successfully raised a record $165,000 for Make-A-Wish Illinois, the highest total in the event’s 10-year history.

The presentation was made Sept. 13 at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook, IL, where the golf outing hosted Crash Champions’ leadership team members, insurance partners, vendors and community leaders.

Together, Crash Champions

Rivian Chooses Kapalama Kai for First Service Center Location in Hawai‘i

PublishedSept. 14, 2023

Kamehameha Schools welcomes Rivianto its tenant ‘ohana in Kapalama Kai, as the electric vehicle manufacturer prepares to open its first service center in Hawai‘i by the summer of 2024.

Located a block from Dillingham Plaza at 1603 Dillingham Boulevard, the 15,181-square-foot facility will be fully equipped to manage vehicle deliveries, along with comprehensive bumper-to-bumper maintenance and repairs for Rivian’s R1 vehicles and commercial vans.

“Enhancing the resiliency of Kapalama Kai requires attracting businesses and opportunities that spark innovation and drive industry growth,” said

California Senate Passes Bill Requiring Human Operator in Self-Driving Trucks

PublishedSept. 13, 2023

Teamster-supported legislation that would require a trained human operator in autonomous vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds overwhelmingly passed the California Senate on Sept. 12 with strong bipartisan support, and heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom, the Teamsters announced in a news release. 

California Assembly Bill 316, first introduced in January by state assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, Laura Friedman, D-Glendale, Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, and Ash Kalra, D-San Jose, received votes in favor from all

CAA Watching Several CA Bills as Legislature Returns

PublishedSept. 13, 2023

The California Legislature has returned from summer recess and the California Autobody Association (CAA) anticipates a surge of legislative activity in the coming weeks. CAA has been following these legislative bills, and will continue to monitor and report.

Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR)

AB 1263: The bill, among other things, would maintain the continuation of the BAR Advisory Committee; require employees, such as service writers, who are involved in a BAR violation to attend remedial training; require a salvage rebuilder selling a revived salvage vehicle to provide a consumer with a

NABC Donates 3 Recycled Rides to Missouri Recipients in Honor of Patriot Day

PublishedSept. 13, 2023

On Patriot Day, Sept. 11, the National Auto Body Council^®held a special NABC Recycled Rides^®presentation to honor two families of fallen first responders and a military member and provide them reliable transportation. The event was hosted by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and made possible by car donors Allstate, Farmers Insurance^®and Nationwide Insurance and repair partners Schaefer Autobody Centers, Crash Champions and Caliber Collision, along with support from Evercoat.

The presentation was held at

Automotive Parts Company to Lead $35M Georgia County 'Investment'

Written by T.A. DeFeo, The Center Square
Published Sept. 12, 2023

An automotive parts company plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Candler County, GA.

State officials said DAS Corp.'s investment, coupled with "collaborative indirect investments," will total more than $35 million. The new Metter facility will create 300 jobs.

"The project is still active, and Georgia Quick Start is involved," a Georgia Department of Economic Development representative confirmed to The Center Square in an email. The designation allows state officials to decline to release how much the state offered in

Georgia Increases Incentives for Hyundai Bryan County Project

Written by T.A. DeFeo, The Center Square
Published Sept. 12, 2023

Georgia governments and development authorities have increased their incentives to Hyundai Motor Group, but state officials were cagey in confirming the exact amount.

Last year, Hyundai announced it picked Georgia for its first fully dedicated electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facility. The company initially said it planned to invest more than $5.5 billion to build the facility, and LG Energy

Florida’s Strained Insurance Industry Pulled on Again

Written by Andrew Powell, The Center Square
Published Sept. 12, 2023

Idalia's cost will be in billions and will put additional strain on Florida's insurance industry.

The Category 3 storm---winds of 111-129 mph on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale---made landfall Aug. 30 near Keaton Beach in the Big Bend region of the Gulf Coast, one of the largest to hit the area in a century. Trees and powerlines were downed amid a 7-foot storm surge that flooded homes close to the coast.

A report from Moody’s Analytics released Sept. 6 stated in total, private insured losses are between $3 billion and $5 billion, while the National Flood

Members of Charlotte-Based Auto Theft Ring Charged in Federal Court

PublishedSept. 12, 2023

A criminal indictment unsealed in federal court Aug. 23 charged five people with stealing dozens of high-end vehicles worth millions of dollars from dealerships located across the U.S. 

The indictment charged Dewanne Lamar White, 43, of Sumter, SC; Garyka Vaughn Bost, 24, of Denver, NC; Kevin Ja’Coryen James Fields, 27, of Charlotte, NC; Hosea Fernandez Hampton Jr., 25, of Charlotte; and Reginald Eugene Hill, 23, of Charlotte; with conspiracy to transport, possess and sell stolen vehicles in interstate commerce, and interstate transportation

Vermont Tightens Rules for Out-of-State Car Registrations

PublishedSept. 12, 2023

Vermont is implementing new requirements for vehicle registrations using out-of-state addresses.

In years past Vermont was happy to register non-residents’ vehicles if they paid the registration fee, which some in neighboring states were happy to do to take advantage of the state’s lower auto insurance costs and taxes.

Beginning July 1, the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) stopped accepting registrations from out-of-state owners unless they were able to establish that their own state does not require them to register their car in their home state.

Out of-state registrants must submit a new certification

OpenRoad Collision, Bill Knight Collision Announce Strategic Partnership in Oklahoma

PublishedSept. 12, 2023

OpenRoad Collision is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Bill Knight Collision, a six-location MSO with locations in Tulsa and Stillwater, OK. 

Combined, the OpenRoad Collision family of brands now owns and operates collision repair centers across Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. The addition of Bill Knight Collision not only expands OpenRoad Collision's geographic footprint, but also brings together two organizations known for quality repairs, excellent technician training and shop culture.

"Partnering with OpenRoad Collision was the logical next step as we seek to

Massachusetts Judge Says Prepaid Vehicle Maintenance Plans Not Subject to State Dealer Statute

Written by Dallin Wilson, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Published Sept. 12, 2023

A Massachusetts federal court judge has ruled an OEM-branded prepaid vehicle maintenance plan sold and administered by a third-party to auto dealers is not subject to the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Dealer Act, and therefore dealers are not entitled to receive retail labor rates for work performed under the plan. 

In Colony Place South, Inc. v. Volvo Car USA LLC, two Massachusetts Volvo dealers alleged Volvo, its captive finance company (Volvo Financial), and a third-party administrator (FWS) violated the

Autel Energy Opens Innovation Center in Southern California

PublishedSept. 11, 2023

Autel Energy, a global leader in EV technology, announced the opening of the Autel Energy Innovation Center, its new research and development campus where OEMs and strategic commercial partners can test the integration of third-party products with Autel Energy hardware and software to ensure the highest standards of performance and quality before entering the market. 

The two-story, 9,424-square-foot facility in Anaheim, CA, is the product of years of planning and development at Autel Energy and aims to revolutionize the way new products are brought to market in terms of speed, efficiency and quality control.

"The

Longtime Minnesota Abra Franchisees High-Five Success

PublishedSept. 11, 2023

Abra, kadabra, Kedrick and Louann. Although the saying doesn’t go quite like that, it took on a similar form for two industry experts and longstanding franchisees in Minnesota. 

Kedrick and Louann Johnson, owners of KLST Inc., which includes Abra Elk River, Abra Princeton, Abra St. Cloud and Abra Duluth, have recently purchased location No. 5, Abra Cloquet, from fellow franchisee Mike DeBoer. 

The road to operational excellence first began for Kedrick Johnson when working alongside his uncle in the 1960s.

Schaefer Autobody Centers Earns Member Preferred Recognition from AAA Missouri

Published Sept. 11, 2023

Schaefer Autobody Centers is proud to announce the Auto Club of Missouri, commonly known as AAA Missouri, has recognized Schaefer Autobody Centers’ Maplewood, MO, location as part of its prestigious Member Preferred Recognition (MPR) program. An outstanding service plaque and catered lunch were presented to the facility's team Aug. 31.

In speaking to the shop’s employees, AAA Missouri’s MPR Team Manager Nick Rohde said, “Out of 240 shops, you guys were in the top 2%. So, we just want to say thank you to all you do for us and our customers every day.” Rohde was joined by AAA

Classic Collision Adds 2 New Locations in Houston

PublishedSept. 8, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Sept. 8---the acquisition of Meyerland Collision Centers in Houston, TX. 

Meyerland Collision Centers has been family-owned and proudly serving the Houston Meyerland area for more than 15 years. The Meyerland team, equipment and facilities all demonstrate their commitment to providing the best available customer service and quality care possible. 

“Our belief has been that your vehicle deserves the best care possible and feel confident that Classic Collision will take that same approach,” said Adam Abutair, former owner of Meyerland Collision

In Hilo, HI, Manuel Soares III and his family have built a reputation for excellent customer service at their collision repair facility, MS Auto Inc. 

Established more than 53 years ago, the family business repairs all makes and models and works as a team to bring cars back to their pre-accident condition. 

In 1970, Manuel III’s father, Manuel Jr., began doing small repairs out of his home garage. His son, known as Jr., grew up helping his dad, handing him wrenches, sanding filler and cleaning up trash.

Over the years, they moved five times and are now located on Kukila Street in Hilo, where they focus on collision repairs and custom work. Their 26 employees include Jr.’s wife, Tracey

Asbury Automotive Group to Acquire Jim Koons Automotive Companies

Published Sept. 8, 2023

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., one of the largest automotive retail and service companies in the U.S., signed a definitive agreement to acquire Jim Koons Automotive Companies, the ninth largest privately-owned dealership group in the country. 

The sale of the Mid-Atlantic company is one of the most sizable in auto retail history, representing more than $3 billion in revenue in 2022, and includes 20 dealerships, 29 franchises, six collision centers and one of the highest volume Toyotaand Stellantis dealerships in the U.S. Asbury currently operates 138 dealerships, representing 31 domestic and

North Dakota Body Shop Hosts Summer Community Day

Published Sept. 8, 2023

The excitement of summer may be fading, but Abra Bismarck is finding ways to keep its community engaged and entertained. Recently, Abra Bismarck, located at 1901 E. Bismarck Expressway, Bismarck, ND, hosted an interactive community day complete with a vendor show, car show, kid-friendly activities and opportunity for charitable engagement.

Abra Bismarck is owned by brothers Jeremyand Matt Buller, who also own Abra Mandan and Abra Minot. Growing up, the brothers would fix cars on their family farm and now their industry interest and expertise has led to them becoming notable collision

California Offers Digital Driver’s License to 1.5 Million Residents

Written by Kenneth Scrupp, The Center Square
Published Sept. 7, 2023

The State of California expanded its digital driver’s license pilot program to include up to 1.5 million participants, who can use the state’s proprietary mobile app on Android or iPhone systems to make age-restricted purchases in participating stores and even airports. 

This pilot program, initiated just this year, was previously only limited to a few thousand participants, so this expansion marks a significant expansion of the program nearing the scale of widespread adoption.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, which administers the program,

Forbes Names DENSO Among Tennessee's Best Employers

PublishedSept. 6, 2023

DENSO, a leading mobility supplier, has been named to Forbes' 2023 roundup of America's Best Employers by State, appearing on the Tennessee list.

To determine the recognized companies, Forbes and market research firm Statistasurveyed 70,000 workers across the U.S. at businesses with at least 500 employees.

Participants were asked if they would recommend their employer to others and to evaluate their employer based on working conditions, diversity, compensation packages, potential for development, company image and more, according to Forbes. They also assessed employers beyond their own.

"While we

Oregon Passes Law Digitizing Car Buying Experience

PublishedSept. 6, 2023

Legislation signed into law by Oregon Gov. Tina Koteck will result in the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) adopting rules that permit the use of electronic services in vehicle ownership. 

The legislation was introduced in January and sponsored by House Rep. Susan McLain, co-chair of the Joint Transportation Committee, and passed unanimously in both the Oregon House of Representatives with a 57-0 vote and in the Oregon State Senate in a 24-0 vote. 

Carvanapartnered with McLain to lead the effort with stakeholders and introduce the bill. The bill paves the way for a

NABC Recycled Rides Program Donates Vehicle to LA Veteran

PublishedSept. 6, 2023

On Aug. 29, a deserving Los Angeles veteran experienced a life-changing event---the presentation of a vehicle to provide her independence and the ability to get to work---thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides^® program along with car donor Allstateand repair partner Waters Auto Body.

The deserving recipient was selected by Hollywood Post 43, The American Legion, which also hosted the presentation.

Mahogany Zachery received a 2020 HondaAccord. Zachery has been a member of Hollywood Post 43 for six years and has served on several committees and

Crash Champions Acquires 2 New Jersey Repair Centers

PublishedSept. 6, 2023

Crash Champions on Sept. 6 announced the addition of two New Jersey repair centers. 

The announcement comes following the successful acquisition of Terry’s Auto Body in Whippany, NJ, and Towne Auto Restoration in Randolph, NJ. The pair of high-quality repair centers join the growing Crash Champions network effective immediately.

Crash Champions now expands its New Jersey footprint to six locations, complementing a premier lineup of more than 600 repair centers in 36 states and Washington, DC. 

“Terry’s Auto Body and Towne Auto Restoration have strong legacies delivering consistent, quality