Local Veterans Gifted NABC Recycled Rides at Pocono Raceway Over NASCAR Race Weekend

PublishedJuly 27, 2023

On July 23, two deserving Pennsylvania veterans experienced a life-changing event at the HighPoint.com 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway---the presentation of two vehicles to provide them independence and the ability to work and take care of their families---thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program, along with car donors Nationwideand Allstateand repair partner Faulkner Collision Center.

The presentation was held at the Pocono Raceway as part of the NASCAR race weekend, July 22-23. The NABC also had a display in the Pocono Raceway

Sales Tax on Gas Drops in Indiana in August

Written by Steve Bittenbender, The Center Square
Published July 26, 2023

Indiana drivers will see a little relief at the pump starting Aug. 1.

The Indiana Department of Revenue has issued a memo announcing the sales tax rate in August for gasoline will be 19.4 cents per gallon. That marks the first time the sales tax on gas has dropped since February.

Before that, Indiana motorists had endured increases over the previous five months on the gas sales tax rate. State officials adjust the rate monthly based on the average retail price.

State officials determined that price to be $2.77 from June 16 to July 15, a more than 15-cent drop from the average

Arizona-California State Line Tops Nation for Biggest Gas Price Difference

Written by Cameron Arcand, The Center Square
Published July 26, 2023

For drivers headed to California from Arizona, new data confirms it’s a better idea to fill the gas tank up before crossing into the Golden State.

GasBuddyreleased its list of state borders with the biggest gas price differences, and the Arizona/California border topped the list with a $1.05 per gallon average price difference. For example, gas prices in Blythe, CA, range from $4.79 to $5.09, whereas the nearby town of Quartzsite, AZ, ranges from $3.55 to $3.69, according to GasBuddy.

The average gas price in California is $4.90 and $3.80 in Arizona as

Dallas-Based Harvey’s Collision Centers Welcomes Jeff McFadden

PublishedJuly 26, 2023

Harvey's Collision Centers, a leading collision repair group in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, is thrilled to announce the addition of Jeff McFadden as its new partner. 

With an impressive career spanning 37 years in the industry, McFadden brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to strengthen further Harvey's Collision Centers' position as a trusted and reliable service provider.

McFadden's extensive experience in the collision industry makes him a valuable asset to the Harvey's Collision Centers team. Throughout his career, McFadden has demonstrated an exceptional ability to deliver the

CA Dealership, Make-A-Wish Surprise Youth with Trip to Hawaii

Written by Auto Remarketing Staff
Published July 26, 2023

Capitol Subaru in San Jose, CA, part of Del Grande Dealer Group, partnered with Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area to throw a surprise beach-themed party at the retailer’s showroom to reveal to a local Hayward youth that his life-changing wish to travel to Hawaii with his family was coming true.

Moises De Paz, a 20-year-old with end-stage kidney disease, thought he was going out to run errands with his sister-in-law. Instead, he was surprised by the Make-A-Wish team, Subaru partners, family and friends with a beach-themed bash at Capitol Subaru to celebrate

Rivian to Turn Kentucky Coal Mine into Solar Energy Center

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published July 26, 2023

Rivianplans to convert the Starfire Mine in Kentucky to a solar energy center. The conversion is estimated to be a $1 billion solar project.
 
The Starfire Mine was once one of the largest coal mines in the U.S. It will be one of Kentucky’s largest renewable power projects once converted. Rivian will work on the Starfire project with renewable energy power producer BrightNightand The Nature Conservancy. 

“Shifting our energy system toward carbon neutrality goes beyond electrifying the roughly 1.5 billion vehicles in the global

Tesla’s First EV Plant Stoppage Begins at Fremont, CA, Factory

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published July 26, 2023

Tesla’s first EV plant stoppage has started at the Fremont Factory in California, just a week after CEO Elon Musk said production facilities would be closed at various times throughout the third quarter to perform plant upgrades.

Musk said during the Q2 earnings call that Q3

Fire Damages Billings, MT, Auto Repair Shop

Written by Ren Wadsworth, KURL 8
Published July 26, 2023

The Billings, MT, Fire Department said the occupants of an auto repair shop on 1st Ave N. and N 33rd St. were safe after smoke started pouring into their building the night of July 24, in what the fire department suspected was a structure fire.

Battalion Chief Kevin Bentz said the fire happened shortly after 6 p.m., when a motor on top of the roof malfunctioned, sending the smoke through the air ducts.

Bentz added it was a standard response from Billings Fire: sending four fire engines and a truck to help anyone who might be inside.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the

Brooklyn CARSTAR Hosts Grand Opening Event

PublishedJuly 26, 2023

CARSTAR Brooklyn Auto Solutions hosted a grand opening event to welcome those in the area to their facility to meet the team, mingle with one another and hear from elected officials and representatives in the Brooklyn, NY, area. The new facility measures 20,000 square feet and is one of the largest in the area.  

The event was held June 24, and was hosted at the CARSTAR Brooklyn Auto Solutions facility located at 10019 Glenwood Road, Brooklyn, NY 11236. During the event, attendees were treated to complimentary beverages and appetizers in the elegantly decorated facility.

The official ceremony kicked off at 6 p.m. and

Autobody News Remembers Friend and Writer Ed Attanasio

PublishedJuly 26, 2023

The team at Autobody News was heartbroken to learn our longtime writer and friend Ed Attanasio passed away July 18, 2023.

Ed wrote for our publication since 2009, and over the years he covered a wide range of industry topics while always keeping a keen eye for the stories that highlighted the human element, particularly in his long-running ...

Canada-Based Auto Firm to Invest $800M in 3 Tennessee Plants

Written by Andrew Lambrecht, InsideEVs
Published July 25, 2023

Magna International works in a multitude of automotive industry sectors, supplying components for many vehicles, both fossil fuel-powered and electric, and its subsidiary, Magna Steyr, builds EVs like the JaguarI-Pace and FiskerOcean. Worldwide, the firm operates 342 facilities, playing a significant role in the global auto industry.

On July 21, the Canadian-based automotive firm announced it will spend $790 million to construct three new manufacturing facilities in Tennessee, all three of which will be up and running by 2025.

One

Former Macon, GA, Chuck E. Cheese Turning into Auto Body Shop

By Brandon McGouirk, WGXA News
Published July 25, 2023

The long vacant, former landmark that was Chuck E. Cheese in Macon, GA, has been given a second chance at life as a new business.

Gerber Collision Auto Body and Glass has been approved to move into the property, with potential to open up new jobs for 15 to 18 workers.

Wrecked cars will be reportedly hidden from the view of commuters behind an 8-foot privacy fence to keep from turning the spot into even more of an eyesore.

As far as noise is concerned, a representative of Gerber Collision assured county commissioners the evolution of the auto body repair industry

Hollyann Lampkin Wins Car Painting Competition at WorldSkills Barbados

PublishedJuly 25, 2023

Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) student Hollyann Lampkin made history at the WorldSkills Barbados 2023 Competition by becoming the first woman to win the male-dominated Car Painting skills competition, using products from NOROO Paint Barbados.

Lampkin is now eligible to compete at the upcoming International WorldSkills competition in France in 2024.

Lampkin was one of 22 students who competed in the sixth edition of the biennial WorldSkills Barbados Competition, which took place June 20-22 and 24-25. The closing awards ceremony took place June

Owner of 6 South Carolina NAPA Stores Owes $66K in Back Wages to 20 Employees

PublishedJuly 25, 2023

Bellinger Parts Group Inc., operating as NAPA Auto Parts in Florence, SC, made illegal deductions from employees’ pay at six South Carolina store locations for store damage, cash register shortages and uniforms, causing some workers’ pay to fall below the $7.25 per hour federal minimum wage for all hours worked, a Fair Labor Standards Act violation, the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division said.

Investigators also found Bellinger Parts Group failed to pay non-exempt salary counter salespeople and delivery drivers overtime for hours over 40 in a workweek, and did not include

Mercedes EQE Loaner Car Burns Down Inside Florida Homeowner's Garage

Written by Dan Mihalascu, InsideEVs
Published July 24, 2023

A Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan caught fire and burned to a crisp inside a Nocatee, FL, homeowner's garage July 19, severely damaging the building.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ sedan was in the garage when it caught fire. According to Jennifer Ruotolo, the EV was a loaner from Mercedes-Benz while her own car was getting serviced. She told News4Jax the luxury electric sedan wasn't even charging when it burst into flames, as she doesn't own a home charging unit.

"It was parked in the garage, about 22 hours and then it caught

Pandemic Fraud Prosecutions in NC Up to 50

Written by Victor Skinner, The Center Square
Published July 24, 2023

Federal prosecutors in the respective Western, Middle and Eastern districts of North Carolina have targeted at least 50 individuals responsible for nearly $40 million in COVID-19 relief fraud since the pandemic began in March 2020.

Public statements since the start of the pandemic show 50 individuals, mostly from the state, have been charged or indicted in the Old North State with various forms of COVID-19 relief fraud involving $39,063,648 in taxpayer funds.

The most recent case involves Mooresville’s Steven Andiloro, 51, who faces securities fraud, wire fraud and money

NABC Recycled Rides Presents Refurbished Vehicle to New York Veteran 

PublishedJuly 24, 2023

On July 19, a deserving Smithtown, NY, veteran experienced a life-changing event---the presentation of 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 along with car donor GEICOand repair partner Bi-County Auto Body.

The presentation was held at Bi-County Auto Body.

The recipient was Denise Crutchfield, who received a 2021 HondaCRV. She is a U.S. Army veteran, who served from 1980-1990 and was stationed in Germany from 1981-1983. Crutchfield earned

Insurers Claim WA State Study on Increased Claims Complaints is ‘Misplaced’

Written by TJ Martinell, The Center Square
Published July 24, 2023

Insurance advocacy groups in Washington state are pushing back against a new study released by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner highlighting the recent increase in insurance claim complaints.

According to the OIC, its Consumer Advocacy Program received 467 complaints in April 2023 compared to the average of 287 per month. As of May, claim handling issues were documented in over 80% of all complaint reasons.

In a statement, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler wrote, “most of the time, the claims process works as intended when

Michigan Dealerships Lose Nearly Entire Inventory Due to Baseball-Sized Hail

Written by Michael Gauthier, CarScoops
Published July 24, 2023

Powerful storms pounded Michigan on July 20 and left a trail of destruction.

Most of the damage was caused by hail. The Detroit Free Press spoke to National Weather Service meteorologist Steve Considine, who said the Davison area was among the hardest hit as “tennis ball- and baseball-sized hail rained down.”

Hail that size can be deadly and it resulted in extensive damage, particularly to dealerships that had countless vehicles on their lots. Among the hardest hit was Todd Wenzel Buick GMC of Davison, which posted on

PG&E Rolls Out New Programs to Accelerate EV Adoption in Underserved Communities

PublishedJuly 21, 2023

In support of California's goals for vehicle electrification and climate action, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is offering two new programs designed to improve access to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for customers in underserved communities.

The Empower EV and Multifamily Housing and Small Business EV Charger pilot programs provide no-cost EV charging infrastructure and resources to help address the costs of installing chargers at single-family homes, multifamily housing units, nonprofit organizations and small businesses throughout low- and moderate-income communities in

Faribault, MN, Auto Body Shop Upscales to New Spot

Written by Colton Kemp, Faribault Daily News
Published July 20, 2023

It’s been a quarter-century since Willy Malecha started his auto body business in his parents’ garage.

On July 17, the owner of Malecha’s Body Shop opened a building of his own at 190 20th St. NW in Faribault, MN, near the Rice County Fairgrounds and next door to the new Kwik Trip.

According to Willy, all the shop’s employees and even his family spent the weekend moving supplies into the new location, which is about four times the size of their old location. Willy’s wife, Ali, said they’d simply outgrown their old space.

“We

Texas City’s ‘Uber of Auto Care’ Wants to Transform Auto Repair Industry

Written by Amber Gaudet, Denton Record-Chronicle
Published July 20, 2023

When Erick King’s mom had an issue with her DodgeNitro in 2016, the family was expecting a simple repair. Several incorrect diagnoses and repairs later, the car was still on the fritz, and worse, the high costs of repair led to the King family’s eviction, after which they spent time living in the Nitro.

The situation sparked a desire for change among Erick and his brother, Timmothy, who co-founded TinMan Automotive in Denton, TX, alongside friend Adam Macias. The mobile auto repair company is hoping to

CarMax Settles with Maryland Over Unrepaired Recalls

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published July 20, 2023

CarMaxadvertises its “CarMax Quality Certified” used vehicles that have undergone a 125+ point inspection and a detailed reconditioning process.

As a seller of used vehicles, CarMax is not required to fix vehicles with "open recalls," meaning vehicles that have been recalled but remain unrepaired.

Federal laws do not require sellers of used vehicles to have those repairs performed before selling the cars.

But considering CarMax advertises its used vehicles as undergoing a "125+ point inspection," Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown saw a

CO Woman Tracks Down Stolen Car, Gets Shot

Written by Steven Symes, Motorious
Published July 19, 2023

If you use a GPS tracker to pinpoint where your stolen car has been taken, be careful when getting it back. A woman in Aurora, CO, learned that the hard way when she turned on the AppleAirTag hidden in her stolen 2020 KiaOptima, found it and was shot. 

According to KDVR, the woman tracked down the stolen Kia after it was swiped on the afternoon of July 9. That evening she went to get it back, but as she approached her vehicle, someone shot her in the hand. The woman then went to the hospital for treatment.

Later that same night, police spotted the Kia Optima and a chase

New York Republicans Push for Wind, Solar Fuel Alternatives

Written by Christian Wade, The Center Square
Published July 19, 2023

New York Republicans are urging the state to tap into renewable natural gas, green hydrogen and other alternative fuel sources as part of long-term plans to wean the state off fossil-burning energy sources. 

In a letter to members of the New York State Public Service Commission, the Senate's GOP minority argue the Climate Leadership and Community Preservation Act, a state law that requires New York to reduce emissions from the electric grid to net zero by 2040, means the state needs to diversify its clean energy mix beyond just wind and solar

Rivian Showroom to Open in Luxury Chicago Neighborhood

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published July 19, 2023

Rivianplans to open its first showroom in Chicago’s Gold Coast, marketed as an area for luxury lovers, befitting Rivian’s brand goals. 

Rivian will open a showroom at 871 N. Rush St. The EV automaker initially planned to open a showroom in the Fulton Market district a few years ago but backed out of the deal for undisclosed reasons. Its current location in the Gold Coast area might be more fitting.

“The Gold Coast is a luxury lover’s haven. Charming homes on picture-perfect streets, high-end boutiques and restaurants favored by celebrities past and present all give this

NJ Governor Moves to Implement EV Sales Mandate

Written by Christian Wade, The Center Square
Published July 19, 2023

New Jersey will require car manufacturers to ramp up sales of electric vehicles leading to a ban on the sale of new fossil fuel-powered vehicles by 2035 under new rules proposed by Gov. Phil Murphy.

Murphy announced July 17 he has filed the Advanced Clean Cars II proposal with the Office of Administrative Law that would, if approved, require vehicle manufacturers to make zero-emission vehicles an increasing percentage of their new light-duty vehicle sales, ramping up to 100% of vehicle sales by 2035.

By doing so, New Jersey joins New York, California and the European Union

Collision Engineering Program Expands to Nebraska School

PublishedJuly 19, 2023

Enterprise Holdings, through the Enterprise Holdings Foundation, on July 19 announced Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Omaha, NE, will offer the industry-leading Collision Engineering Program (CEP) curriculum as part of its existing auto collision technology program.

CEP, now active at seven schools across the U.S., is helping catalyze a new era of collision repair built upon a foundation of motivated, skillful and passionate workers committed to advancing alongside today’s rapid pace of vehicle technology. Founded by the Enterprise Holdings Foundation and Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, the program aims to help fill

Massive BendPak Industrial Complex Under Development in Alabama

PublishedJuly 18, 2023

Diversification is paying dividends for BendPak, Inc. Driven by exponential business growth from new products and markets, the global garage equipment manufacturer is developing a huge light industrial space on 33 acres in Mobile County, AL. The BendPak Industrial Complex will be located a couple miles from BendPak's recently expanded East

Federal Government Providing Kansas $13.3 Million to Improve Electric Grid

Written by Tom Joyce, The Center Square
Published July 17, 2023

The U.S. Department of Energy will provide Kansas with $13.3 million to update its electrical grid infrastructure.

The funding comes from the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program. The Kansas Corporation Commission will administer the funding, which it will use to modernize the state's power grid. The state also wants to use the money to protect the power grid against natural disasters while "advancing projects that attract, train and retain a skilled Kansas workforce," according to a press release from Gov. Laura Kelly's