Classic Collision Acquires New Shop in Tennessee

PublishedJuly 17, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing July 17, the acquisition of Dayton Collision Centerin Dayton, TN.

Dayton Collision Center has a wealth of experience in the collision repair industry and has been servicing Rhea County for several years.

“We have been the repair center of choice in Dayton by performing high quality repairs and providing a one-of-a-kind customer service experience. We are thrilled to continue that journey now as Classic Collision,” said Rich Ritchie, former owner of Dayton Collision Center.

“We are pleased to welcome the entire Dayton Collision Center team to the

Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas Receives Subaru Love Promise Retailer of the Year

PublishedJuly 14, 2023

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) on July 13 honored Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas of Las Vegas, NV, with the Subaru Love Promise Retailer of the Year Award for 2023, recognizing the retailer's ongoing commitment and support to their local community.

The award, now in its eighth year, goes to the Subaru retailer who has shown significant commitment to their customers and their community throughout the year, exemplifying the Subaru Love Promise.

"Being recognized as the Subaru Love Promise Retailer of the Year is a true honor and a heartfelt acknowledgement of our commitment to making a difference in

CA Fix Auto Shop Hosts First Responders for Jaws of Life Demo

PublishedJuly 13, 2023

Several first responders from the Escondido and San Marcos, CA, fire departments recently participated in a hands-on jaws of life demonstration and educational event June 24 at Fix Auto Escondido. 

The demonstration was part of the National Auto Body Council® (NABC) F.R.E.E.™ program and served to educate the community on the advanced technology and tools needed to keep drivers safe in today’s modern vehicles. As vehicles have continued to evolve over the years, the technology and tools needed to repair them has seen a shift as well. 

“With the introduction of electric vehicles on the rise, it’s

Farmers Insurance Further Reducing Florida Business

Written by William Rabb, Insurance Journal
Published July 13, 2023

One month after it announced it would stop writing new homeowner policies in Florida, Farmers Insurance said it plans to cut back further on its presence in the hurricane-prone state.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation said July 11 it had received a “market reduction notice” from Farmers Insurance Group on July 10. But the information was marked as trade secret, per Florida insurance statutes, so details were not provided.

“We have advised the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation of our decision to discontinue offering Farmers-branded auto, home and umbrella policies

PHOTOS: Oceanside, CA, Brewery Hosts Cruise Night

PublishedJuly 13, 2023

South O Brewing Company in Oceanside, CA, hosted its monthly South O Cruise Night on July 12. 

The brewery, at 1575 S. Coast Highway, hosts the cruise in at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month. Low riders, hot rods, classics, muscle, sports and vintage cars are welcome. Craft beer and food trucks are also on site.

Photos by Autobody News' Kelly Cashman.

Illinois Motorcycle Group Opposed to Self-Driving Cars and Upcoming Testing

Written by Kevin Bessler, The Center Square
Published July 12, 2023

An Illinois motorcycle group is raising a red flag over planned testing of self-driving cars this summer.

Teslais hiring temporary test drivers around the country, including in Elgin, IL, who will be paid to drive their vehicles and report on their performance.

The automaker has always highlighted data collection from its fleet of millions of vehicles as one of its main advantages in autonomous vehicles. But recently, Tesla seems to be increasingly relying on internal testing.

"We are looking for a highly motivated self-starter to join

Kentucky Lands $153M Auto Project Creating Nearly 170 Jobs

Written by Steve Bittenbender, The Center Square
Published July 12, 2023

Kentucky landed yet another electric vehicle-related project when a Japanese company announced it would expand a plant in the central part of the state.

Hitachi Astemo Americas will invest $153 million in its Berea plant and create 167 new jobs, according to a release from Gov. Andy Beshear. The company is building a 752,000-square-foot expansion across 62 acres in Madison County.

Hitachi Astemo Americas President Tim Clarksaid the endeavor serves as “a bold step” toward the company’s commitment to supporting the development of

Kia Georgia to Expand for EV9 Production

PublishedJuly 12, 2023

Kia Georgia's West Point assembly plant is undergoing a transformation that will allow for the assembly of the all-electric 2024 EV9 three-row SUV in the second quarter of 2024. 

This $200 million+ expansion will create nearly 200 additional jobs in Troup County with EV9 joining the Telluride, Sorento and Sportage SUVs and the K5 mid-size sedan as the fifth model to be assembled at Kia Georgia.

"Like Telluride, EV9 has the potential to be another 'game changer' for Kia," said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. "This will be the most sophisticated vehicle that we have ever built and will

Corporate Collision Centers Opens New Location in Northwest Houston

PublishedJuly 11, 2023

Corporate Collision Centers is proud to announce the opening of its new auto body repair center at 14800 Hempstead Road in Northwest Houston, TX.

This shop is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including on-site ADAS calibration and the revolutionary new PPGwater-based MoonWalk paint mixing system. Corporate Collision Centers was the fourth auto body repair shop in Houston to install this environmentally friendly, automated paint mixing system.

Corporate Collision Centers is staffed by highly trained technicians who are dedicated to providing the highest quality collision repair

State Farm Ordered to Pay $277K to TX Policyholder

PublishedJuly 11, 2023

In June, a jury in Rusk County District Court in Texas found State Farm had “knowingly or intentionally engaged in unfair and deceptive acts or practices” when it undervalued and then totaled a policyholder’s pickup truck in 2020, the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) said.

Joseph Collinshad taken his hail-damaged ToyotaTacoma to Burl’s Collision Center in Henderson, TX, wanting the truck repaired. Instead, State Farm decided it was a total loss. 

In Texas, to declare a total loss, the cost to repair the vehicle must exceed 100% of the vehicle’s cash value. The shop owner,

Highview Capital, B&R Auto Partner

PublishedJuly 11, 2023

Highview Capital, LLC, on June 29 announced a partnership with B&R Auto, a leading value-added provider of recycled automotive parts.

B&R Auto, headquartered in Oregon, is one of the nation’s largest independent auto recyclers. Founder-owned and operated by the Perlenfein family since 1980, B&R provides high quality recycled parts to automotive collision and repair centers and do-it-yourself customers. The company operates 19 locations across the Western U.S. focused on best-in-class dismantling processes, technology and customer service. B&R has established itself as an industry leader in the environmentally friendly

Western Energy Transmission Project Breaks Ground

Written by Chris Woodward, The Center Square
Published July 10, 2023

A new project that will transmit renewable energy across the Western U.S. broke ground in June.

U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and local officials attended a ceremony June 20 for the TransWest Express project, which broke ground in Carbon County, WY, and will move energy from Wyoming to California and improve grid reliability.

“The TransWest Express Project will play a major role in our nation’s energy security, ensuring that home-grown clean energy

CA Governor Gets $180 Billion Climate Package Approval

By Ria Roebuck Joseph, The Center Square
Published July 10, 2023

The California Senate on July 6 approved Gov. Gavin Newsom's package of up to $180 billion in clean infrastructure, with funds to be disbursed over the next decade. The action is expected to yield 400,000 construction jobs.

The governor’s package, guided by the final report, is a blueprint for regulation changes and steps for various sectors to promote climate action and develop the required infrastructure to support California’s climate goals.

Funding will come from the state’s budget, the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction

More Electric School Buses on the Way in CA with $150M in Grants

By Ria Roebuck Joseph, The Center Square
Published July 10, 2023

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) are collaborating to transition school districts from diesel dependent school buses to green energy alternatives. 

The initiative is a partnership to use $150 million in the state budget to award funding to public school districts who apply to the program in an effort to transition to zero emissions bus technology. 

The California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) funds vouchers for the purchase of zero emissions trucks and buses and has a

Criminal Penalties for Car Thieves Toughen in NJ

Written by Christian Wade, The Center Square
Published July 10, 2023

New Jersey is trying to shake its old reputation as the "car theft capital of the nation" with a new bill that toughens criminal sanctions for auto theft and permits prosecutors to seek harsher sentences.

A package of bills were signed by Gov. Phil Murphy earlier in July, including creating new charges for stealing or receiving a stolen vehicle and updating sentencing guidelines to provide longer prison terms for individuals with multiple convictions for auto theft. It also makes it a crime to possess vehicle master keys and software that can be used to steal

Classic Collision Adds New Location in Fridley, MN 

PublishedJuly 7, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing July 7, the acquisition of a Maacofranchise in Fridley, MN. 

The owners have provided their customers an easy, affordable and hassle-free experience for many years. 

“Our mission has been to be the reliable choice in collision repair and provide excellent customer service and I believe that Classic Collision will uphold that mission,” said Andy McClure, former owner of Maaco Fridley Franchise. 

“We’re honored to welcome the Maaco Fridley team to the Classic family. We recognize their dedication to excellent customer

New Florida Law in Effect for Out-of-State Driver's License Classes

Written by Steve Wilson, The Center Square
Published July 7, 2023

Driver's license classes in five states have been singled out as no longer valid in Florida, in accordance with legislation that took effect July 1.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, a 2024 presidential candidate, said July 6 the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has published a list of classes by state which are invalid because people living in or entering the country illegally can obtain them in Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, Vermont or Hawaii.

Senate Bill 1718 prohibits issuing driver’s licenses to anyone without proof of lawful

Nick’s Auto Body Opens in Ohio

Written by Kelcey Norris, Mahoning Matters
Published July 7, 2023

Nick’s Auto Body celebrated a grand opening at its newest location, its first shop in Mahoning County, OH. This automotive repair shop’s employees are all ASEcertified, specializing in repairing cars after collisions. 

In operation since 1960, it's a direct repair facility already detailing cars in Pennsylvania at its New Castle and Clarion locations. Chief Operating Officer Marcus Cook said they hope to gain the respect of everyone in Mahoning County as they continue carrying on the family-owned business.

According to its website, the shop is a National Auto Body

Northwood University Names New Aftermarket Industry Chair

PublishedJuly 7, 2023

Northwood University in Midland, MI, has named Dr. Thomas Litzinger, an accomplished high-performing executive with more than 30 years of aftermarket industry experience, its new industry chair of aftermarket education.

"Dr. Thomas Litzinger has already made an impressive impact as executive director of the University of the Aftermarketand in the classroom. With Thomas now leading our academic aftermarket program, Northwood looks forward to further gains in serving the emerging talent needs of this important sector of our economy," said Dr. Kristin Stehouwer, academic vice president and provost of

Nissan to Build 2 Electric Sedans at Mississippi Plant

Written by Dan Mihalascu, InsideEVs
Published July 7, 2023

Nissanis transforming its plant in Canton, MS, for the electric age. The company has pledged $500 million to remake the facility into its North American hub for EV production.

The plant has produced more than 5 million gasoline-powered trucks, crossovers and vans since it opened in spring 2003. Two decades later, the 4.7 million-square-foot site is being prepared to build electric vehicles.

By mid-decade, production will begin on the first of several battery-electric vehicles for the Nissan and Infinitibrands.

"Canton will be North America's electrification hub

Volkswagen Rolls Out Autonomous Driving Test Program in TX

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published July 7, 2023

Volkswagen Group of America (VWGoA) on July 6 implemented an autonomous driving vehicle test program in Austin, TX.

“We are thrilled to bring our exciting ID. Buzz vehicles to American roads," said Pablo Di Si, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.

The program will conduct tests using VW ID.Buzz units outfitted with autonomous driving technology from Volkswagen’s partnership with Mobileye, formed in 2016 to develop autonomous driving technology. At the time, the partnership focused on developing camera-based real-time image

Relentless Collision Opens Durham, NC, Location

PublishedJuly 7, 2023

Relentless Collision opened another auto body shop location at 442 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway in Durham, NC, the company's third location in the Raleigh Durham market. 

Owner and CEO Todd McGowan was recently featured on The Collision Vision podcast by Autobody News. 

"Durham will specialize in electric vehicles from brands like BMW, Lexus, Land Rover, Jaguar, Volvoand Mercedes-Benz. In June, the new Durham Center was designated a

Governor: New EV Program will Help Vermont Reach Climate Goals

Written by Brent Addleman, The Center Square
Published July 6, 2023

A new electric vehicle charging program in Vermont is getting an infusion of cash.

The Vermont Community Electric Vehicle Chargers Incentive Program is getting $7 million in funding, Gov. Phil Scottsaid, that will be used to make electric transportation equitable and more accessible to state residents.

According to a release, the investment follows a $1 million appropriation from the General Assembly in the spring of 2022. That funding created a pilot program to incentivize Vermont residents to install charging stations at multi-unit affordable housing

Members of the Glendale/Foothill chapter of the California Autobody Association (CAA) recently came together at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills, CA, to network, learn from one another and hear about topical issues impacting the collision industry.

Part of the June 20 event included a presentation from Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). Schulenburg shared insight on the SCRS Blend Study Report: A comparative analysis between full refinish and blend operations.

The event was supported by Annex Automotive &

Group Steals Cars from Hickory, NC, Dealership Hour After Initial Break-In

Written by Dave Faherty, WSOC-TV 9
Published July 6, 2023

On July 3, luxury and sports cars worth thousands of dollars were stolen from Cloninger Ford of Hickory, NC.

Surveillance video showed two suspects breaking into the dealership using a rock. They then pried open a safe lock box to access a set of keys, according to the Hickory Police Department.

Police said the original two suspects left for more than an hour before returning with several other suspects. They then stole four DodgeChargers, a CadillacEscalade and two BMWs.

General Manager Brian Palm showed

AkzoNobel Unveils Mural at Pontiac Transportation Museum in Michigan

PublishedJuly 6, 2023

AkzoNobelcelebrated Independence Day by unveiling a mural at the new Pontiac, MI, Transportation Museum. The museum is expected to open later this year and will honor the industrialization of this community and the many people whose work inspired these efforts. 

Through the museum’s existing and growing collections, it will help educate and inspire young people to chart their own destiny in an increasingly digital world. The museum will be in a 55,000-square-foot facility featuring vehicle and artifact display galleries, a theater, research library, classrooms and restoration spaces. 

AkzoNobel’s

Multimillion-Dollar Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Dismantled in Bucks County, PA

PublishedJuly 6, 2023

The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office on June 27 announced the dismantling of a multimillion-dollar organized criminal enterprise that specialized in the theft of catalytic converters throughout the Delaware Valley region in Pennsylvania. 

A nearly yearlong investigation resulted in the charging of Philadelphia tow yard TDI Towing, along with 10 adult individuals and one juvenile, with corrupt organizations, criminal conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and related charges. All but one of the defendants have been arraigned. 

Over the past few years, the theft of

Multi-State Car Theft Ring Busted in Louisville, KY

Written by Steven Symes, Motorious
Published July 5, 2023

Police in Louisville, KY, cracked open a sophisticated multi-million-dollar car theft ring. According to one detective who spoke with local news station WLKY, police who stopped these vehicles for moving violations had no idea the cars were even stolen, so only a minor citation was issued.

Authorities

‘Driving Privileges’ Law for Undocumented Motorists Goes into Effect in RI

Written by Dave Fidlin, The Center Square
Published July 5, 2023

A new law giving undocumented motorists the authority to drive in Rhode Island officially went into effect July 1.

The change comes a year after legislation in both chambers of the General Assembly was passed.

Late last June, Gov. Dan McKee swiftly signed House Bill 7939 and companion legislation Senate Bill 2006, into law, starting the countdown clock to the law’s enactment to the midpoint of this calendar year.

The new law means undocumented motorists will have the opportunity to obtain what state officials are referring to as “driving

Maine Bill Would Raise Inspection Fees to Create Automated System

Written by Brent Addleman, The Center Square
Published July 5, 2023

A bill that would create an online vehicle inspection database run by the state police is the focus of a Maine bill that would raise fees on residents.

Legislative Document 900, sponsored by Rep. Bruce White, D-Waterville, would be taken back to the drawing board in the House of Representatives after the measure passed in a slim 74-68 vote in June. It was defeated in the Senate, 30-2.

If enacted, the bill would raise inspection fees to $20 from $12.50 or $20 from $18.50 for Cumberland County residents. White said nothing would change about what is