Regional News

Keep up with the latest collision repair industry news in your area.

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Regional News

Keep up with the latest collision repair industry news in your area.

map of united states

Regional News

  • Wake Tech Announces Recipients of Advance Auto Parts Foundation Scholarships

    Wake-Tech-NC-students-Advance-Auto-Parts-Foundation-scholarships

    Wake Tech Announces Recipients of Advance Auto Parts Foundation Scholarships

    PublishedAug. 8, 2023

    Five 2023 Wake County, NC, high school graduates will train to become skilled automotive technicians, thanks to scholarships from the Advance Auto Parts Foundation

    Wake Tech Community College has announced the recipients of the Advance Auto Parts Foundation Future Technicians Scholarships, which aim to increase diversity in the college's automotive degree programs and address the nationwide shortage of technicians. The students will enroll in either automotive systems technology or collision repair and refinishing, both offered at the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence.

    This year’s

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  • Oceanside, CA, Brewery Hosts VW All Out Car Show

    All-Out-VW-Show-Oceanside-CA

    Oceanside, CA, Brewery Hosts VW All Out Car Show

    PublishedAug. 7, 2023

    The 7th annual VW All Out Car Show was held Aug. 5 at Belching Beaver Brewery in Oceanside, CA.

    Hosted by Reggie Smith (@funky68vw on Instagram), the event featured more than 100 classic cars, vendor pop-up shops and a beach cruise.

    Prizes were awarded for first and second place in several categories, including Best Bug, Ghia, Split Window Bus, Bay Window Bus, Type 3/4, Water-Cooled, Water-Cooled Euro, Off Road and Buggie, as well as a grand prize for best car in show. Raffles and prizes were

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  • Crash Champions Expands in Florida, Acquires Ideal Auto Collision

    Crash Champions Expands in Florida, Acquires Ideal Auto Collision

    PublishedAug. 7, 2023

    Crash Champions on Aug. 7 announced it has expanded its Florida footprint with the successful acquisition of Ideal Auto Collision.

    The acquisition officially closed Aug. 4, with operations transitioning to Crash Champions effective immediately. Crash Champions now operates more than 50 locations across Florida and a nationwide network of more than 600 high-quality repair centers in 36 states and Washington D.C. 

    “This is an important step forward in the steady, strategic growth of the Crash Champions brand,” said Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions. “We’re focused on

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  • Carvana Launches Same-Day Vehicle Delivery in Arizona

    Carvana Launches Same-Day Vehicle Delivery in Arizona

    Written by Auto Remarketing Staff
    Published
    Aug. 6, 2023

    Buying a car is not like ordering a pizza. But for some Carvanacustomers, the delivery time might be getting close.

    The nation’s largest online used-car retailer has launched same-day delivery to select customers who order a vehicle in Arizona, with plans to expand the service to select markets nationwide in the coming months.

    “Carvana’s new same-day vehicle delivery option is just one example of how we’re constantly evolving to deliver an even better auto retail experience,” Carvana Senior Director of Finance Matt Dundas said in a news release.

    “Customers

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  • Oregon Ends 72-Year Ban on Self-Serve Gas Pumps

    Oregon Ends 72-Year Ban on Self-Serve Gas Pumps

    PublishedAug. 4, 2023

    Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek on Aug. 4 signed a bill officially allowing the state’s drivers pump their own gas for the first time in more than seven decades.

    House Bill 2426 allows gas stations to open half their pumps to self-service.

    Oregon news outlets published explainers the same day on how to pump your own gas.

    The bill was passed by the state’s House in March and Senate at the end of June.

    With the move, New Jersey is now the lone U.S. state that does not allow

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  • Nassau County, NY, Collision Repair Shops, Owner Convicted of Tax Fraud

    Jose-Cardona-NY-auto-repair-tax-fraud

    Nassau County, NY, Collision Repair Shops, Owner Convicted of Tax Fraud

    PublishedAug. 4, 2023

    Jose Cardona, 45, of Oceanside, NY, was sentenced Aug. 2 for felony tax fraud related to his ownership and operation of two Nassau County collision repair shops, New York State officials announced.

    In Nassau County State Supreme Court, Cardona was sentenced to six months in jail and five years of probation, after having already paid more than $700,000 in restitution.

    Cardona’s two businesses previously pleaded guilty to felony tax fraud charges, and his wife, Veronica Cardona, 44, also of Oceanside, previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor false filing charge related to a

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  • Ohio Lawmakers Want Vehicle Emission Tests Stopped in 7 Counties

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    Ohio Lawmakers Want Vehicle Emission Tests Stopped in 7 Counties

    Written by J.D. Davidson, The Center Square
    Published
    Aug. 4, 2023

    A group of northeast Ohio lawmakers wants the state Environmental Protection Agency to stop a nearly 30-year-old federal anti-pollution program they say puts a heavy burden on citizens in seven counties.

    The E-check program began in 1996 and requires vehicle owners in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit counties near Cleveland to pass regulatory emissions requirements.

    No other counties in the state are impacted.

    In a letter to Ohio EPA Executive Director Anne Vogel, a bipartisan group of state representatives said the

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  • Couple Charged with $217,000 Embezzlement from CA Auto Repair Shop

    Couple Charged with $217,000 Embezzlement from CA Auto Repair Shop

    Written by Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News
    Published
    Aug. 4, 2023

    A Martinez, CA, couple has been charged with embezzling more than $217,000 from a Berkeley, CA, auto body shop, in a simple scheme that involved the defendants allegedly writing hundreds of checks to themselves from the business, court records show.

    Justin Durland and Bryanna Durland have each been charged with a single felony count of embezzlement over time from Berkeley Auto Body. Both have pleaded not guilty and have been released from jail while the charge is pending.

    They are set to appear in court in mid-August for a

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  • Traffic Deaths in Arizona Increase for 3rd Year in a Row

    Traffic Deaths in Arizona Increase for 3rd Year in a Row

    Written by Lauren Scott, The Center Square
    Published
    Aug. 2, 2023

    Traffic deaths in Arizona rose for the third consecutive year, increasing 8.6% in 2022 compared to 2021. 

    According to the state’s annual report on motor vehicle crashes on all roads, including local streets, there were 1,294 traffic fatalities across the state last year. Injuries from crashes totaled 52,411.

    Figures show crashes associated with speeding resulted in most of the deaths and injuries. 

    “Pedestrian, bicyclist and motorcyclist deaths all increased last year,” according to a July 31 news release. “Overall, the 2022 traffic fatality total

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  • Mitchell 1 Names Ohio Teen 2023 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student

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    Mitchell 1 Names Ohio Teen 2023 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student

    PublishedAug. 2, 2023

    Jack Fowler of Mount Vernon, OH, has been named the 2023 Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student, a recognition that comes with a $2,500 scholarship. 

    Every year, Mitchell 1 honors a U.S. or Canadian student for their outstanding achievement in automotive technology and auto shop repair scholastics. The scholarship program is administered through the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

    “Mitchell 1 is proud to recognize Jack Fowler for his outstanding achievements and dedication to pursuing a career as a professional service technician,” said Nick

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  • Cloninger Automotive Group in NC Signs Licensing Agreement with DCR Systems

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    Cloninger Automotive Group in NC Signs Licensing Agreement with DCR Systems

    PublishedAug. 2, 2023

    DCR Systems, LLC, announced Aug. 2 that Cloninger Automotive Group based in Salisbury, NC, signed an area development licensing agreement with the company. The agreement provides access to DCR Systems’ full turnkey operating model. 

    “We appreciate Cloninger’s belief and trust in the DCR process and applaud their courage to adapt and transition from a traditional operation to lean-focused operation,” said Michael Giarrizzo, president and CEO of DCR Systems. “They have invested in a beautiful facility and a new way of doing things, and we are thrilled to partner with them on this

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  • Toyota Indiana Announces New Grand Highlander SUV, $11 Million Community Investment

    Toyota Indiana Announces New Grand Highlander SUV, $11 Million Community Investment

    PublishedAug. 2, 2023

    Toyota Indiana on Aug. 2 celebrated the start of production of the first-ever Grand Highlander, an all-new three row SUV. In 2021, Toyota announced an $803 million investment in Indiana to produce two all-new SUVs. First up, the 2024 Grand Highlander, featuring the latest technology, a spacious, adult-sized third row and plenty of cargo space for family adventures.

    The announcement also included a five-year, multimillion-dollar commitment to help create limitless possibilities for Indiana schools. The Toyota USA Foundation announced Driving Possibilities grants of up to $11.1 million to prepare

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  • Michigan Hands-Free Law Has Prevented 650 Crashes, 2 Fatalities

    Michigan Hands-Free Law Has Prevented 650 Crashes, 2 Fatalities

    PublishedAug. 1, 2023

    Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) on Aug. 1 announced an analysis of the impact of the new hands-free law in Michigan, which began June 30. The analysis showed Michigan drivers spent an average of 1 minute and 47 seconds per hour on the road handling their phones in June. Since the start of the hands-free law, phone motion distraction has fallen to an average of 1 minute and 35 seconds per hour, a drop of 11.2%.

    CMT’s data shows that every 10% decrease in distracted driving reduces the crash rate by 1.4%. CMT estimates the 11.2% reduction in distraction in Michigan since June 30 has helped prevent 650 crashes, two fatalities

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  • Bollinger Motors Receives $3 Million Jobs Creation Grant from Michigan

    Bollinger Motors Receives $3 Million Jobs Creation Grant from Michigan

    PublishedAug. 1, 2023

    Mullen Automotive, Inc., an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer, announce July 26 that Bollinger Motors received final approval from the state of Michigan for a $3 million grant aimed at promoting job creation in the state. In a unanimous decision, the Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved the incentive through the Michigan Business Development Program.

    “Bollinger Motors is poised for growth and we’re proud to be focused on expanding our company’s operations as we approach start-of-production,” said Robert Bollinger, founder and CEO of Bollinger Motors. “I appreciate Michigan’s faith in our

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  • NABC Recycled Rides® Program Donates Refurbished Vehicles to Indianapolis Veterans

    NABC Recycled Rides® Program Donates Refurbished Vehicles to Indianapolis Veterans

    PublishedAug. 1, 2023

    On July 18, two deserving Indianapolis veterans experienced a life-changing event---the presentation of a vehicle to provide them each independence and the ability to work and take care of their families---thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program along with car donors Allstateand Farmers® and repair partners Connan’s Paint and Body Shop and Andy Mohr Collision Center, both members of

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  • NABC Recycled Rides Program Donates Refurbished Vehicle to NY Iraq War Veteran

    NABC Recycled Rides Program Donates Refurbished Vehicle to NY Iraq War Veteran

    PublishedAug. 1, 2023

    A deserving New York-area Iraq War veteran experienced a life-changing event---the presentation of a vehicle to provide her with independence and the ability to get to work at the WNY VA, attend college and service dog training---thanks to the National Auto Body Council™ (NABC) Recycled Rides® program along with GST BOCES and car donor GEICO.

    The presentation took place on July 7 at the GST BOCES Coopers Campus in Painted Post, NY. The recipient was selected by WNY Heroes, Inc.   

    The auto body repair and automotive technology classes at the GST BOCES Coopers campus

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  • Schaefer Autobody Centers Recognized for Offering One of ‘America’s Top 50 Health Plans’

    Schaefer Autobody Centers Recognized for Offering One of ‘America’s Top 50 Health Plans’

    PublishedAug. 1, 2023

    Schaefer Autobody Centers has been acknowledged by the Health Rosetta Institute for providing its employees one of “America’s Top 50 Health Plans.” Presently, the collision repairer employs more than 280 team members in Missouri and Illinois. The award will be presented to Schaefer Autobody Centers at The Rosie Awards banquet on Aug. 8 on Chicago’s Navy Pier. 

    The leadership team at Schaefer Autobody partnered with Simpara, a local HR consulting firm, to develop their nationally recognized health plan. After a nominal paycheck deduction, employees can visit any in-network

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  • Midwest CARSTAR Group Holds 30th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

    Midwest CARSTAR Group Holds 30th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

    PublishedAug. 1, 2023

    The CARSTAR MO-KAN Group, consisting of 14 CARSTAR locations throughout Kansas and Missouri, recently teamed up for the 30th Annual MO-KAN Invitational Charity Golf Tournament, June 15 at the Adams Pointe Golf Club. 

    After raising $10,000 at last year’s tournament, the CARSTAR MO-KAN Group was eager to host this exciting event for another year. Following the tournament, CARSTAR MO-KAN Group is proud to have raised $10,000 through registration costs, sponsorships and an interactive raffle that featured prizes at each hole of the tournament. All proceeds raised from the event will directly benefit the Kansas City chapter of

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  • Tesla to Open Sales and Service Center in Providence, RI

    Tesla to Open Sales and Service Center in Providence, RI

    Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
    Published
    Aug. 1, 2023

    A former Stop & Shop location in Providence, RI, is expected to be transformed into a new Teslaservice center and showroom. The upcoming facility is poised to become one of the largest Tesla locations in the area.

    The impending arrival of the Tesla hub was announced by Paolino Properties, which owns the complex. The upcoming Tesla retail location will employ approximately 30 full-time staff.

    Tesla’s first store in Rhode Island opened its doors in Warwick in July 2019. Tesla stores in nearby states are in Norwell, Dedham and Natick, MA, and Milford, CT,

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  • Tesla Seeking $100M in Federal Funding for Semi Charging Route

    Tesla Seeking $100M in Federal Funding for Semi Charging Route

    Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
    Published
    Aug. 1, 2023

    Teslais reportedly seeking around $100 million in funding for a charging route from Texas to California that would host nine charging stations for all electric-semi trucks, according to a new report from Bloomberg.

    Emails seen by the publication said Tesla wants each of the stations to feature eight units of the Semi’s Megacharger and four chargers made for competing all-electric Class 8 trucks. The emails were sent by Tesla executives to the Texas Department of Transportation between May and early July.

    Tesla told Texas government officials it could

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  • Drunk Man Steals Ferrari from Utah Dealership, Damages 4 Other Exotics

    Drunk Man Steals Ferrari from Utah Dealership, Damages 4 Other Exotics

    Written by Thanos Pappas, CarScoops
    Published
    Aug. 1, 2023

    A 29-year-old man in Utah had the crazy idea to steal a Ferrarifrom a dealer in what he described as “a spur-of-the-moment act” after spending the whole day drinking. The intoxicated man caused serious damage to other vehicles and the dealer premises in the process, and was later arrested by police.

    The incident took place July 23 at Ferrari of Salt Lake City. The suspect allegedly broke in by shattering the exterior glass with a rock. He then found the car of his dreams and noticed the keys were on the center console.

    According to the booking

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  • Tesla Cybertrucks Continue to Roll Across Production Lines at Giga Texas

    Tesla Cybertrucks Continue to Roll Across Production Lines at Giga Texas

    Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
    Published
    Aug. 1, 2023

    TeslaCybertrucks continue to roll across production lines at Giga Texas, as another sighting shared recently indicated the automaker is working hard to get units ready for production.

    After the first Cybertruck unit was built on lines at Gigafactory Texas a few weeks ago, Tesla is continuing to push forward and work toward initial deliveries, still expected by the end of the year.

    Perhaps the newest Cybertruck unit built by

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  • Arizona in Top 3 States for Incoming Moves, Growing by 12%

    Arizona in Top 3 States for Incoming Moves, Growing by 12%

    Written by Lauren Scott, The Center Square
    Published
    Aug. 1, 2023

    Arizona grew by nearly 12% from 2010 to 2020, with most people moving from California, Washington and Illinois.

    Arizona’s rising population ranked ninth in the nation during the same time period. Many people moved to Phoenix, a city that expanded its population by 18%.

    From 2020 to 2021, Arizona ranked third in population growth and Maricopa County gained more residents than any other county in the country, adding 159,000 Phoenicians, according to a report by moveBuddha.

    The moveBuddha report primarily used a combination of U.S. Census Bureau data and

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  • GM’s Cruise Bringing Self-Driving Robotaxis to Nashville

    Cruise-self-driving-cars-robotaxi-service-Nashville-TN

    GM’s Cruise Bringing Self-Driving Robotaxis to Nashville

    Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
    Published
    Aug. 1, 2023

    CruiseCEO Kyle Vogt said the company will expand its robotaxi service to Nashville, TN. The launch of the driverless service in the city is part of the GM subsidiary’s efforts to accelerate its commercial operations.

    Cruise’s self-driving cars are expected to arrive on Nashville streets soon, with the company’s robotaxi service launching later. Cruise does not seem to be focused on Nashville alone, as the company also disclosed plans to initiate testing in multiple new cities. Based on Cruise’s posts on its Careers page, Atlanta would appear to be one of

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  • ProColor Collision Adds New Location in Shingle Springs, CA  

    ProColor Collision Adds New Location in Shingle Springs, CA  

    PublishedJuly 31, 2023

    ProColor Collision franchise owner Tony Buryakov opened a third ProColor Collision to serve area residents and businesses.   

    ProColor Collision Shingle Springs joins Buryakov’s ProColor Collision locations in southeast and northeast Sacramento as another state-of-the-art repair facility offering premium collision repairs and exceptional customer service. 

    The Shingle Springs location, formerly 49ER Auto Body, located at 4213 Sunset Lane, Suite 102, is fully equipped with the latest dustless sanding system, Car-O-Liner frame machine, 3D frame

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  • New Auto Repair Shop in Allentown, PA, Different than Typical Garage

    New Auto Repair Shop in Allentown, PA, Different than Typical Garage

    Written by Justin Backover, WFMZ News
    Published
    July 31, 2023

    Tucked away right off Union Boulevard in Allentown, PA, is a new auto repair shop. It's actually a new start-up, called Car-Up.

    "Our shop will come to your home or work, pick your car up, service it and bring it back to you when it's done," said founder Larry Seibel. He's called the Lehigh Valley home for two decades and has spent his career starting tech companies.

    Car-Up works through an app. Once you input your make and model, you can select the service you want or describe the issue you're having. Then, you schedule a time and Car-up picks up

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  • Crash Champions Acquires Autobahn Collision Center in Southern California

    Crash Champions Acquires Autobahn Collision Center in Southern California

    PublishedJuly 31, 2023

    Crash Champions on July 31 announced it finalized the acquisition of Autobahn Collision Center, located at 11511 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, CA. 

    The deal for the 13,000-square-foot repair center officially closed July 28, and the location will begin operating as part of the Crash Champions network effective immediately. 

    “The Crash Champions team is proud to continue our strategic national growth plan with quality acquisitions such as Autobahn Collision Center,” said Crash Champions CEO and founder Matt Ebert. “The Southern California market is a strong area for

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  • VinFast Breaks Ground at North Carolina EV Facility

    VinFast Breaks Ground at North Carolina EV Facility

    PublishedJuly 28, 2023

    VinFastannounced July 28 it has officially broken ground at its electric vehicle manufacturing site, located within the Triangle Innovation Point in Chatham County, NC. The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place July 28 at the site, marked a significant milestone toward VinFast's global expansion and the company's supply chain development in North America.

    VinFast's U.S. factory project is the first electric vehicle manufacturing facility in North Carolina, as well as the largest economic development initiative in the state's history.

    North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S.

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  • Alabama Hands-Free Law Reduces Distracted Driving 2.4%

    Alabama Hands-Free Law Reduces Distracted Driving 2.4%

    PublishedJuly 27, 2023

    Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) on July 27 announced the first analysis of the hands-free law enacted in Alabama on June 16. The new data shows a 2.4% reduction in distracted driving one month after Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill prohibiting drivers from handling their phones while driving. 

    From May 16 through June 15, Alabama drivers spent an average of 2 minutes and 5 seconds driving distracted. In the month since the law passed, time spent distracted decreased by 3 seconds.

    The gains from the new law already appear to be fading, however. The first week after the law went into effect saw the largest

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  • Tesla Gets Around Connecticut Direct Sales Ban with Loophole

    Tesla Gets Around Connecticut Direct Sales Ban with Loophole

    Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
    Published
    July 27, 2023

    Tesla appears to have found an effective loophole that would enable it to operate in Connecticut, which has taken a stance against the electric vehicle maker over the years through initiatives designed to block it from establishing a presence in the state. 

    Mohegan Sun, an entertainment destination operated by the Mohegan Tribe, revealed plans to introduce a Tesla Electric Vehicle Showroom, expected to debut in the fall within The Shops at Mohegan Sun. Per a press release, both locals and visitors to the area will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of Tesla

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