Report: New England's Embrace of EVs, Infrastructure

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

Five of six New England states have earned praise through a new report examining electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

Massachusetts led the way in the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s report “2023 State Transportation Electrification Scorecard,” just edging out Vermont in the newest rankings.

“We are seeing incremental progress, not transformational progress,” Peter Huether, senior research analyst and lead author of the report, said in a statement. “States will have to move far more aggressively to do their part to enable the

USAA Settles Georgia Class Action on Underpaid Taxes in Auto Claims

Written by Insurance Journal Staff Reports
Published July 3, 2023

A federal judge in Georgia has given preliminary approval to a $2.3 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit that charged USAA Casualty Insurance Co. with underpaying for taxes on totaled vehicles.

“The Court finds, subject to the final fairness hearing … that the settlement agreement is fundamentally fair, adequate and reasonable,” U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May wrote in the order in June.

The final hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 13.

Some 9,000 Georgia policyholders joined the suit, one of several class actions

CARSTAR South Thornton in GA Celebrates White Christmas in July

PublishedJuly 3, 2023

All the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. But Jamie White, owner of four CARSTARcollision repair facilities in northeast Georgia, got a lump of coal instead.

On Christmas Eve, just as White was preparing to celebrate the holiday with his family, he got a call from the fire department that his sprinkler system had been activated at his CARSTAR South Thornton location. White sprang into action, donning his cap and heading to see what the clatter was all about.

Dalton, GA, was in the middle of an unseasonable deep freeze, and the pipes

ProColor Collision Welcomes Shop in Cypress, TX

Published June 30, 2023

ProColor Collision Cypress is the latest to join ProColor Collision’s growing family of advanced collision repair facilities in the U.S. The new location is operated by Jack Pilavian, who has spent more than 26 years in the collision repair industry.

Located at 13800 Cypress North Houston Road, ProColor Collision Cypress is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and the latest technology to provide customers with the highest level of precision and quality in collision repair services. The team of attentive customer service representatives and highly skilled technicians are dedicated to handling all types of damage quickly

Hunter Engineering Partners with Lincoln Tech on New Denver Training Center

PublishedJune 29, 2023

Hunter Engineering is pleased to announce Lincoln Tech’s Denver campus will be the latest site to house a Hunter Training Center. Local students and repair shop technicians will be offered the opportunity to train directly on Hunter equipment through a wide range of available Hunter courses.

The new training center, Hunter’s 47th across the nation, will open Aug. 1.

Lincoln Educational Services Corp. is a leading provider of diversified career-oriented post-secondary education, offering recent high school graduates and working adults programs in automotive technology, health sciences, skilled trades,

Crash Champions Restores, Donates Vehicle to Nashville Children’s Home

PublishedJune 29, 2023

The Crash Champions Collision Repair Team recently took part in a National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® giveaway in Nashville, TN, benefiting the Palmer Home for Children.

The ceremonial giveaway took place June 22, and was made possible by the volunteer efforts of dedicated collision repair technicians from Crash Champions’ Downtown Nashville repair center. As an active supporter of the NABC Recycled Rides program, Crash Champions has restored and donated more than 10 vehicles in 2023.

“This is yet another opportunity for local Crash Champions team members to step up and make a tangible

CARSTAR Hayden Named Best Auto Body Shop in 2023 Idaho’s Best Awards

PublishedJune 29, 2023

CARSTAR Hayden has been named Best Auto Body Shop in the Panhandle region in the 2023 Idaho’s Best Awards, an annual program intended to uplift and acknowledge the contributions of businesses and organizations in Idaho. The judging for the awards is divided into four regions: Central Idaho, Eastern Idaho, the Panhandle and Treasure Valley.

CARSTAR Hayden, owned by Greg Solesbee, joined the CARSTAR family in the spring of 2018 and has been providing the North Idaho community with operational excellence ever since.

This is not the first time CARSTAR Hayden has been honored in Idaho’s

$75M Fund to Help Michigan Small Businesses Hurt by COVID

Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square
Published June 28, 2023

Michigan small businesses devastated by state COVID lockdown restrictions can apply to tap a one-time $75 million fund from federal taxpayers.

In February, the Michigan legislature passed into law the $75 million Small Business Smart Zones and Business Accelerators initiative. The fund is a one-time appropriation using American Rescue Plan Act funds to support small businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmerjoined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to announce the new program. In Michigan, small business growth has

GM, Australian Company Partner to Build EV Battery Component Factory in Louisiana

PublishedJune 27, 2023

General Motors Co. and Element 25 Limited announced June 26 an agreement for Element 25 to supply up to 32,500 metric tons of manganese sulfate annually to support the annual production of more than 1 million GM EVs in North America.

Under the agreement, GM will provide Element 25 with an $85 million loan to partially fund the construction of a new facility in the state of Louisiana for production of battery-grade manganese sulfate---a key component in lithium-ion battery cathodes---starting in 2025. Element 25 will produce manganese sulfate at the facility by processing manganese concentrate from

Trade School Programs in Hot Demand in Tennessee

Written by Olivia Sanchez and Danielle Smith, The Hechinger Report-Public News Service Collaboration
Published June 27, 2023

Most of the guys come straight to the shop each afternoon. After long shifts at supermarkets and home improvement stores, they make their way to southwest Nashville just before 4 p.m., sometimes still in uniform, and pull into a massive parking lot shared by the local community college and the Nashville branch of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, or TCAT.

Some might rev their engines and do a few laps around the mostly clear lot first, but they all eventually take a right toward the garage.

There, as the sun begins to set

Toyota Renews Commitment to Rebelle Rally for 2023

PublishedJune 27, 2023

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) announced June 23 the renewal of its commitment to Rebelle Rally, the premier women-only, off-road navigation rally.

For 2023, Toyota will have a total of 12 people join for six groups to compete in the annual event, doubling last year's number. Toyota representatives will come from differing areas of the company, including CALTY design, manufacturing, production engineering, and research and development. Additionally, Toyota will once again serve as presenting sponsor of the event's live webcast.

"This is an important event and beneficial opportunity to the women of our company," said

First U.S. Porsche Studio Opens in Portland, OR

Published June 26, 2023

With great anticipation and energy, the first PorscheStudio in the U.S. celebrated its grand opening in Portland, OR.

“We are thrilled to bring the Porsche Studio concept to Portland,” said Joe Lawrence, executive vice president and COO of Porsche Cars North America (PCNA). “The Studio concept offers our customers a warm, inviting, and convenient new place to engage with Porsche, whether configuring their new dream car, taking delivery or just stopping by for an espresso.” 

Porsche Studio Portland is in the heart of the city’s fashionable Pearl District, a former warehouse district, known for its art

Crash Champions Founder & CEO Matt Ebert Named Midwest Entrepreneur Of The Year

PublishedJune 26, 2023

Crash Champions is proud to announce founder and CEO Matt Ebert has been named by Ernst & Young, LLP as a winner of the Entrepreneur Of The Year® Midwest Award. The announcement was made during a special ceremony hosted June 21 in Chicago.

Entrepreneur Of The Year is one of the preeminent and most competitive business awards for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies across the world. Ebert was ...

Classic Collision Adds New Location in Inn-Ring Suburb of Minneapolis

Published June 23, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing June 23, the acquisition of Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting Franchise of Richfield, MN.

Maaco Richfield Franchise was family owned and operated servicing Hennepin and surrounding counties for past several years.

“I am excited to see Classic Collision take the business our team built to the next level with continuing to provide high quality repairs with excellent customer service,” said Kari Kauffman, former owner of Maaco Richfield Franchise.

“Maaco Richfield has been a valued collision center in Minneapolis area,

Washington Hits Accelerator on Incentivizing Switch to EVs

Written by Brett Davis, The Center Square
Published June 22, 2023

The Washington State Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee was updated on a draft final report on encouraging high consumption fuel users, or HCFUs, to switch to electric vehicles.

The committee was tasked last year by the Legislature to assess opportunities to encourage HCFUs to switch to EVs as part of the state’s overall plan to go green in fighting climate change.

HCFUs are defined as drivers that burn 1,000 gallons or more of fuel per year, approximately 6.3% of motorists.

“It essentially is wanting to collect data and probe the question of first of all

Florida Toyota Dealership Sale Sets Transaction Price Record

PublishedJune 22, 2023

The sale of Al Hendrickson Toyota in Coconut Creek, FL, to Morgan Automotive Group (MAG) set a record for the highest blue sky value ever paid for a single dealership, regardless of franchise, said Haig Partners LLC, which served as the exclusive sell-side advisor.

Haig Partners did not disclose the sale price.

Al Hendrickson Toyota, the No. 2 highest-volume Toyota dealership in the U.S., opened its doors as a father-son business in 1989. Under Al Hendrickson Jr.’s leadership, the dealership performs at the highest levels for sales performance and customer satisfaction.

In

Texas Body Shop Gifts Teen with Repainted Van

PublishedJune 21, 2023

The Maaco Euless team in Euless, TX, recently donated a surprise paint job to a local teen battling Friedreich's ataxia, an inherited nerve disorder that has similar effects to ALS or muscular dystrophy, with a repainted Scooby Doo-themed van.

Weston Groff, a 17-year-old teen living in the Euless community, has been battling this disease his entire life. One of his biggest wishes in life has been to take a trip to see the Grand Canyon, and what better way than to do so in a Scooby Doo Mystery Machine.

“When the opportunity came to us to help make Weston’s trip even more special, we were ecstatic,” said Steven

Texas Auto Body Shop Hosts Community Car Show

PublishedJune 21, 2023

A Maacoshop in Plano, TX, recently hosted a community-focused event June 10. The shop, Maaco Plano, is located at 1205 Summit Avenue, Plano, TX 75074.

The event welcomed members of the local community to the facility and featured a car show intended to drive awareness of the shop’s location and wide array of services. The team was able to showcase their facility and drive production-friendly work into the shop, all while providing customers an opportunity to mingle and enjoy freshly cooked burgers and hot dogs provided by the Maaco Plano team.

The event was orchestrated by Chris Sherman, general manager of

From One Generation to the Next, Idaho Body Shop Builds a Legacy

PublishedJune 21, 2023

Following Father’s Day, CARSTARis highlighting a family-focused facility that exemplifies what it means to be a member of the CARSTAR family.

CARSTAR Hayden, located at 1770 W. Hayden Avenue in the city of Hayden, ID, opened its doors in 2018 and has been positively impacting the community ever since. From stellar customer service to industry-leading collision repair, the CARSTAR Hayden team has been a staple for those in the area.

Greg Solesbee, owner of CARSTAR Hayden, comes from a long history of vehicle repair. As the youngest of seven, Solesbee grew up surrounded by the automotive

Florida Bans Direct-to-Consumer Car Sales for Legacy Brands

Written by Christopher Smith, InsideEVs
Published June 20, 2023

A new Florida law, House Bill 637, recently signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, blocks automakers from bypassing dealerships to sell vehicles directly to consumers---but it doesn't apply to all companies.

In short, if automakers didn't have deals with independent dealers in the state before the law, they can sell direct.

Under the new law, manufacturers cannot directly own a dealership if it already has franchise agreements in place. This puts the kibosh on legacy automakers selling directly to consumers through factory stores, similar to laws found in other

Sarasota Classic Car Museum Getting Evicted

Written by Steven Symes, Motorious
Published June 20, 2023

For many, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum in Florida has become a regular pilgrimage. But after 50 years in the same location, the pillar of car culture is being evicted by New College of Florida, and it has until the end of June to get everything out.

According to multiple reports, the museum’s location is state property. New College is growing with what the educational institution called a record-size freshman class, and it’s looking to expand. Sarasota Classic Car Museum is officially in the way.

For 20 years, the college has leased the property to the car museum. Everything seemed to be

Michigan Selected for European Engineering Services Company's R&D Center

PublishedJune 20, 2023

European engineering services provider Expleo USA Inc. is establishing its first North American research and development facility in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced June 20.

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of more than $2 million and create 196 high-wage jobs, and will further build on Michigan’s global leadership in future mobility in vehicle electrification.

“We’re thrilled to bring home nearly 200 good-paying jobs from Expleo, building on our leadership in advanced automotive manufacturing and strengthening our position as the global leader of

DCR Systems’ Ohio Location Becoming Rivian Certified

PublishedJune 19, 2023

DCR Systems announced its Mentor, OH, location is becoming a RivianCertified Collision Center.

“It’s really important for our company to stay on the cutting edge of new technology and developments and be prepared to repair electric vehicles (EVs) properly in the future,” said Michael Giarrizzo, president and CEO of DCR Systems. “Having OEM certifications such as Rivian’s will help us do that.”

“We are proud to be working with this forward-thinking EV company,” said Cheryl Boswell, DCR Systems’ corporate CFO and managing partner. “Rivian, like DCR, is focused on using technology to

Tesla Direct Sales Lawsuit Thrown Out in Louisiana

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published June 19, 2023

A federal court on June 16 dismissed Tesla's lawsuit against the State of Louisiana, aimed at enabling direct sales of vehicles.

Tesla has operated with a direct-to-consumer sales model, which fixes prices on vehicles unless the automaker adjusts them. It eliminates the process of bargaining with salespeople at dealerships and gives every buyer the same price, getting rid of what most consumers say is one of the most stressful parts of car buying.

In numerous states, Tesla is allowed to operate this model. Legacy automakers have fought against the company’s ability to do so because they

Empire Auto Parts Opens New Distribution Center in Florida

PublishedJune 19, 2023

Empire Auto Parts, LLC, a leading distributor of high-quality aftermarket collision parts for automotive repair shops, announced the opening of its seventh full-scale distribution center in the Central Florida region.

The 188,000-square-foot facility in Orlando, FL, will bring Empire’s total location count to 35 facilities serving 23 contiguous states from Maine to Florida and Delaware to Arkansas.

Collision repair shops throughout Central Florida will now benefit from Empire’s extensive inventory levels, efficient ordering processes, high-quality parts, same-day delivery service and friendly local support enjoyed by

PHOTOS: Classic Car Nights in Encinitas, CA, Holds June Event

PublishedJune 16, 2023

Encinitas Classic Car Nights is a must-see event that ignites the streets of Downtown Encinitas, CA, with the spirit of automotive history. Taking place on the third Thursday of each summer month, from May through September, this captivating spectacle showcases an impressive lineup of hot rods, foreign automobiles, classic cars, and Woodies along S. Coast Highway 101.

The June edition was held June 15, featuring meticulous displays of classic cars parked along Hwy 101 and neighboring side streets, as well as live music performances, resonating from various spots along South Coast Hwy 101.

Photos by Autobody News'

Battle Ground, WA, Auto Body Shop Celebrates 20-Year Anniversary

Written by Cade Barker, The Reflector
Published June 15, 2023

Elite Collision Center in Battle Ground, WA, celebrated its 20-year anniversary on June 7 with a public celebration featuring a hot dog bar and other refreshments.

Company President Kevin Morse said his dad started the company in 1991 with a mechanical shop.

“We had a piece of property here and we decided to invest back into Battle Ground,” Morse said. “We’ve been around for a long time, and businesses come and go, but there’s a reason why we’ve stayed in business for 20 years and we’ve got a great community here that’s been here for you through thick

Texas Eliminates Annual Vehicle Inspections

PublishedJune 15, 2023

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on June 13 signed House Bill 3297, eliminating annual vehicle inspections in the state.

Residents in the 17 most populous counties---mostly those surrounding major cities---will still have to get their gas-powered vehicle’s emissions tested annually. Diesel-powered vehicles and motorcycles are exempt.

The change goes into effect in 2025. Residents will still pay an annual inspection fee of $7.50, but they won’t have to get the vehicle looked at. New registrations will cost $16.75 per vehicle.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) in May called on the Texas Senate to veto the bill,

Maryland Auto Launches New Insurance Education Resource

PublishedJune 15, 2023

Maryland Auto has created a new resource for those exploring career opportunities in the insurance industry. Local programs are supported by reputable organizations like the Maryland Insurance Administration and the National Association of Insurance Professionals.

According to the University of Baltimore's website, the Maryland Insurance Administration has noted there is a talent gap in the insurance field, with jobs available in underwriting, marketing, human resources, technology and data analytics, and risk management.

Insurance professionals often find long-term career satisfaction. A recent article published

'MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge' Moves to New Location

PublishedJune 15, 2023

MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge is taking street-legal drag racing on famed Woodward Avenue to the center of downtown Pontiac, MI, as well as growing the overall footprint of the one-day horsepower festival. The popular enthusiast event is scheduled to take place Aug. 12.

MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge, which set a one-day attendance record of more than 40,000 attendees in 2022, will move the starting line for street-legal drag racing competition to the corner of Woodward Avenue and W. Pike Street in Pontiac.

"We can't wait to bring Roadkill Nights and