Washington State Official to Address Historic Increase in Auto Insurance Complaints

PublishedJune 15, 2023

Claims denied without a suitable explanation. Frustrating delays in hearing back from insurance companies. Initial app-based repair estimates coming in thousands of dollars below the final cost.

Washingtonians have been filing complaints about their auto and homeowners insurance issues at a record pace, and Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidlerannounced June 12 he’s hosting a workshop in July to hear from consumers, insurers and other parties on the reasons for the increase.

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner has reported a historic volume of complaints since 2021. The OIC’s

Scottsdale, AZ, Resident Receives NABC Recycled Ride

PublishedJune 14, 2023

On June 8, a deserving Scottsdale, AZ, resident was presented with a vehicle to provide her independence and the ability to work and take care of her family, thanks to the National Auto Body CouncilRecycled Rides® program along with car donor GEICO and Painter’s Collision Centers.

The recipient of the 2020 KiaSoul, Angelica Wells, was chosen by the Family Promise of Greater Phoenix. She became a mother when her sister passed away and she adopted her two children, ages 7 and 8. Then, she relied on her mother to care for the children while she worked. Sadly, her mother passed away

CT Man Admits Stealing and Selling Catalytic Converters

PublishedJune 14, 2023

Roberto Alicea, 31, of New Britain, CT, pleaded guilty June 13 before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford, CT, to offenses related to his participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring, announced Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement has been investigating the theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles across Connecticut. A catalytic converter contains precious metals, can easily be removed from its vehicle, and is difficult to trace, making it a

Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to $1.1 Million Insurance Fraud Conspiracy

PublishedJune 14, 2023

A Kansas City, MO, man who formerly lived in Columbia, MO, pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a $1.1 million insurance fraud conspiracy that involved false claims of injuries suffered in car accidents, as well as to his role in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief benefits.

Lawrence Courtney Lawhorn, 35, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps Jr. on June 8 to the charges contained in two separate federal indictments.

In the first indictment, Lawhorn pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to

Feds Pledge Financial Backing to Philadelphia in Rebuilding I-95

Written by Anthony Hennen, The Center Square
Published June 13, 2023

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visited Philadelphia on June 13 to discuss the plan to rebuild Interstate 95 after a truck fire collapsed a portion of the northbound road.

“We’re going to continue to be here every step of the way for as long as it takes with both financial backing and any other technical support that’s needed,” Buttigieg said.

PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said an announcement on June 14 will offer more details on the timeline for rebuilding the heavily trafficked interstate used by 160,000 vehicles,

VW Gifts Damaged Vehicles to TN Collision Repair Programs

Written by Heather Mullinix, Crossville Chronicle
Published June 13, 2023

Students at Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Crossville, TN, and across the state will have the chance to apply their skills in collision repair on new model vehicles thanks to a donation from Volkswagen Group of America.

“We’re glad to make something good out of something that was initially not so good,” said Ian Leavy, Volkswagen assistant general council. “Anything we can do to help improve the general talent pool of the people who are going to be working on our vehicles is a positive.”

The vehicles were damaged in transit. They are all

NC Woman Says Her Insurance Company Totaled Her SUV for ‘Minor’ Damage

PublishedJune 13, 2023

A Charlotte, NC, resident told a local news station her 2016 ToyotaHighlander wound up being declared a total loss by her insurance company, after the repair estimate on what looked like a minor scrape and dent came to $17,000.

Meghan Murray told WCNC Charlotte she was in a hurry in December 2022 when she accidentally scraped the right side of her SUV along a

South Dakota to See Increase in EV Charging Stations 

Written by Baylee Peterson, Dakota News Now
Published June 13, 2023

While electric vehicle charging stations are few and far between in South Dakota, many say it shouldn’t discourage residents from purchasing an EV.

AAADirector of Auto Repair Bob Kazmierczak painted a picture of just how many EV charging stations there are in the state.

“There are 83 public EV charging stations in South Dakota and that equates to 204 charging ports,” said Kazmierczak.

While this might seem like a small number, Chris Studerwith East River Electric said it shouldn’t be discouraging to potential

GM Investing $632 Million in Fort Wayne Assembly for Truck Production

PublishedJune 12, 2023

General Motors Co. announced June 12 plans to invest $632 million in Fort Wayne Assembly in Indiana to prepare the plant for production of the next-generation internal combustion engine (ICE) full-size light-duty trucks. 

This investment will enable the company to strengthen its industry-leading full-size truck business. Product details and timing related to GM’s future trucks are not being released at this time.

Today’s announcement brings GM’s U.S. manufacturing and parts distribution facility investment commitments to more than $31.6 billion since 2013.

"Today we are announcing a

Skilled Labor Shortage Impacts Southwest Minnesota

Written by Sawyer Drent, for The Globe
Published June 9, 2023

The U.S. is seeing a continued shortage of trade and skilled workers nationwide, and this is happening at the state and local level, in Worthington, MN.

Many businesses are looking for workers, many of which don’t require a college degree.

According to Minnesota State’s Careerwisewebsite, among 50 of the high demand jobs projected to grow in the state between now and 2026 are landscaping, maintenance, carpentry, freight, mechanics and construction workers. Some of these will require some schooling, while others use skills that can be learned right on the job site.

A look at

Mercedes-Benz Level 3 Automated Driving Tech Certified in California

PublishedJune 9, 2023

Mercedes-Benz announced June 8 its class-leading DRIVE PILOT system for SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving received certification from California state authorities. 

With this significant milestone, Mercedes-Benz is the first car manufacturer with authorization to introduce such a SAE Level 3 system in a standard-production vehicle for use on public freeways in the most populous state in the U.S. 

DRIVE PILOT will be available in the U.S. market as an option for model year 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS Sedan models, with the first cars delivered to customers in late

CAWA Announces 2023 Scholarship Winners

PublishedJune 9, 2023

CAWA, Representing the Automotive Parts Industry, is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2023 scholarship awards. 

CAWA provided more than $13,250 in scholarships this year to 13 individuals. Furthermore, each student will receive a $300 tool gift certificate compliments of CAWA member All Trade Tools. “Once again, CAWA is proud to assist these young people in pursuing their education and careers in the auto care industry”, said Rodney Pierini, president and CEO, in announcing the awards.

Recipients of this year’s scholarships are:

GM Investing $500M+ in Arlington, TX, Assembly for Future SUVs

PublishedJune 8, 2023

General Motors Co. announced June 8 plans to invest more than $500 million in Arlington Assembly in Texas to prepare the plant for production of future internal combustion engine (ICE) full-size SUVs, subject to successful discussions with local government officials.

This investment will enable the company to strengthen its industry-leading full-size SUV business. Product details and timing related to GM’s future full-size SUVs are not being released at this time.

The announcement brings GM’s U.S. manufacturing and parts distribution facility investment commitments to more than $31 billion since 2013.

"Today

Toyota to Build New Automotive Battery Lab at Michigan R&D Headquarters

PublishedJune 8, 2023

Toyota Motor North America, Inc. announced June 8 it will invest nearly $50 million to construct a new laboratory facility at its North American R&D headquarters in York Township, MI, to evaluate batteries for electric and electrified vehicles in North America.

As part of its evaluation process, the new Michigan battery lab will ensure that Toyota's batteries meet North American customer requirements by confirming performance, quality and durability of automotive batteries made by Toyota. Operations at the new battery lab are expected to begin in 2025.

"This new investment in our North American

Topical Industry Issues Addressed During AkzoNobel Collision Industry Experts Event

PublishedJune 7, 2023

OEM technologies, building a high-performance team and maximizing estimating skills and profit were some of the educational sessions held during the AkzoNobelAcoat Selected Collision Industry Experts Event in April. About 300 collision repair professionals from 23 states and Mexico gathered in Orange County, CA, to address industry challenges, facilitate skills development and promote networking. Attendees included repairers from 188 shops, as well as employees, presenters, vendors and partners.

“The purpose of the event was to bring current, relevant industry training and educational sessions to Southern

Tesla Model 3 Just Became Cheaper than Toyota Camry in California

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published June 7, 2023

The TeslaModel 3 just became less expensive than a ToyotaCamry in California thanks to the company’s confirmation that each of the all-electric sedan’s trim levels qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit.

In early June, Tesla changed the language on its Model 3 Design Studio to reflect updated tax credit qualifications, indicating all three configurations of the sedan qualified for the full tax credit amount.

Previously, only one variant, the Performance trim, qualified, while the other two builds were only set to receive half, of $3,750, of the total

New York City Sues Hyundai, Kia Over Easy-to-Steal Cars

Written by Thanos Pappas, CarScoops
Published June 7, 2023

A new development unfolded in the ongoing Hyundai and Kiavehicle theft controversy June 6, as New York City filed a lawsuit against the two Korean automakers, accusing them of negligence.

The complaint lodged in a Manhattan federal court depicts the absence of immobilizers in specific Hyundai and Kia models as being “exceptionally rare” within the automotive industry. It asserts this deficiency has “unleashed a wave of vehicle theft, rampant criminal activities, reckless driving and public endangerment.”

This legal action seeks unspecified compensatory damages and

Tesla Proposes $3.8 Million Donation for Roads Near Lithium Refinery

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published June 7, 2023

Teslaproposed a $3.8 million donation to improve roads near its lithium refinery in Robstown, TX, in Nueces County, to improve county roads 30, 79 and 81. 

Nueces County commissioners will discuss the proposal at their next meeting June 7. Commissioner John Marez explained the approval process is complicated. 

“That’s why it does have to go through the commissioner’s court to be able to review and accept the agreement. It will help the roads directly tied into their proposed plan or property they currently own in Nueces County,” he told a

Francis Energy Awarded Funds for EV Stations in IL

PublishedJune 6, 2023

Francis Energy, owner of the fourth-largest EV fast-charging network in the country, announced June 5 it has been awarded grant funds by the Illinois EPA to build and operate three new charging stations in high-traffic areas along the state’s highways, in Beach Park, Troy and LeRoy.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the state of Illinois to build safe, convenient, reliable and affordable public fast-charging infrastructure that will give EV drivers peace of mind as they travel across the state,” said Francis founder and CEO David Jankowsky. “Our comprehensive statewide network in Oklahoma is the model we

Memphis, TN, Man Charged with Trafficking Counterfeit Airbags

PublishedJune 6, 2023

Mohammed Al-Abadi, 51, of Memphis, TN, was indicted and arrested for one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods and one count of causing the criminal transportation of hazardous materials by air carrier, U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz announced May 17.

According to Ritz and the information presented in court, from about Oct. 1, 2019, to Jan. 14, 2021, Al-Abadi imported counterfeit motor vehicle airbag parts from China, assembled them and then sold them on eBay to unsuspecting automobile repair shops and individual customers. Federal agents recovered more than 2,000 counterfeit airbags and parts from the

Quality Collision Group Acquires Stuart’s Paint & Body in Plano, TX

PublishedJune 6, 2023

Quality Collision Group (QCG), a private-equity-backed venture of multisite OEM-certified collision repair centers, on June 6 announced the continued growth of its organization with the acquisition of Stuart’s Paint & Body.

QCG continues its strategic focus on building the nation’s largest and most trusted OEM-certified collision repair company by using an acquisition strategy that maintains the high standards, commitment and quality of service at the repair facilities it acquires.

Headquartered in Plano, TX, Stuart’s Paint & Body provides an expanded national footprint for QCG as it furthers

Stellantis Invests in CA Company’s Breakthrough EV Battery Technology

PublishedJune 5, 2023

Stellantis N.V. and Lyten, Inc. announced that Stellantis Ventures, the corporate venture fund of Stellantis, invested in Lyten to accelerate the commercialization of Lyten 3D Graphene™ applications for the mobility industry, including the LytCell™ lithium-sulfur EV battery, lightweighting composites and novel on-board sensing.

Lyten, a pioneer of 3D Graphene, will leverage the unique tunability of the material to enable enhanced vehicle performance and customer experience while decarbonizing the transportation sector.

Lyten’s tunable materials platform has demonstrated significant reductions

South Carolina Auto Body Shop Closes While Seeking New Location

PublishedJune 5, 2023

An auto body shop based in Horry County, SC, has to close while looking for a new site due to a rezoning request denial.

Avant Auto Repair has been operated by Sylvester Avant in his home’s backyard since 2007. According to local news station WMBF News, inquiries were made last year into the business’s zoning compliance, as Avant’s home is zoned residential-only.

Avant asked for a rezoning, but was denied. At a county council

Hyundai Donates $50,000 to Savannah, GA, Organizations

PublishedJune 5, 2023

Hyundai Motor America announced a new partnership with Savannah State University, and the continuation of its partnership with Memorial Health Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children's Hospital of Savannah and Safe Kids Savannah.

As Hyundai expands its presence in Georgia, the company seeks to invest back into the community by supporting organizations doing important work in the fields of education and safety. Ceremonial checks were presented to the two organizations in Georgia.

"Hyundai is committed to progress for humanity and improving the wellbeing of society, which includes supporting today's youth to prepare for a better

New ProColor Collision Body Shop Opens in Escondido, CA

PublishedJune 5, 2023

ProColor Collisionstrengthened its presence and service to the greater San Diego area with a new location in Escondido, CA.

The newest ProColor Collision is owned and operated by Benjamin Sanchez, who has worked in the collision industry for more than 20 years.

ProColor Collision Escondido is I-CAR Gold certified and outfitted with top-of-the-line equipment and an experienced team of customer service representatives and technicians. Located at 375 State Place, this new ProColor Collision location delivers technical acumen and an unwavering commitment to provide quality repairs to customers

Wren's Collision Group Acquires 2-Location Atlanta MSO

PublishedJune 5, 2023

Wren's Collision Group, a privately-owned collision repair MSO, announced June 5 it acquired Brian's Paint and Body, a two-location MSO in the metro Atlanta market, expanding its total number of locations to 13.

During the sale of Brian's Paint and Body, the utmost priority for Brian Trevena was ensuring the continued well-being of his team and customers, preferably through a family-run organization. This requirement was met by Wren's Collision Group.

Widely acknowledged by consumers and the collision repair industry as one of the leading privately-owned auto body repair companies in the southeast,

VIVE Collision Acquires Vinart Collision Center in PA

Published June 5, 2023

VIVE Collision successfully completed the acquisition of Vinart Collision Center in Allentown, PA, from the Vinart Family of Automobile Dealerships.

Vinart Collision Center will be renamed and continue operating as VIVE Collision of Lehigh Valley. Vinart Dealerships will retain ownership of its name and all other aspects of its retail automobile business.

The transaction includes a long-term partnership agreement whereby Vinart Dealerships and VIVE Collision will work together to support each organization’s operational activities in the region. The transaction, which marks VIVE’s entry into

GM to Invest $1 Billion in Flint, MI, Manufacturing Facilities  

PublishedJune 5, 2023

General Motors Co.announced June 5 plans to invest more than $1 billion in two of its Flint, MI, manufacturing sites---Flint Assembly and Flint Metal Center---to prepare those plants for production of the next-generation internal combustion engine (ICE) heavy-duty trucks. 

This investment will enable the company to strengthen its industry-leading full-size truck business. Product details and timing related to GM’s future HD trucks are not being released at this time.

The announcement brings GM’s U.S. manufacturing and parts distribution facility investment commitments to more than $30.5 billion since

College Grad Found Car Repair Passion After Overcoming Homelessness

Written by Natay Holmes, ABC 10News
Published June 5, 2023

The auto industry is in need of more technicians, and Cuyamaca College in El Cajon, CA, is helping steer students in that direction through its auto technology program. The program works with partners, like GMand Ford, to get students into auto body shops and gain real-world experience outside of the classroom.

Of course, the college also has shops on campus where students can get hands-on experience.

ABC 10News spoke to a non-traditional college student who took advantage of this program; he's older and a father of four, but he used the knowledge

Classic Collision Adds New Location in Home State of Georgia

PublishedJune 2, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing June 2---the acquisition of Wright One Paint & Body in Augusta, GA.

Wright One Paint & Body was a family owned and operated collision repair center. It has been serving the C.S.R.A and its surrounding counties for 15 years. The goal at Wright One is to be there for the customer throughout the entire process.

“Our mission at Wright One Paint and Body has been to provide high quality repairs with excellent level of customer satisfaction and whole heartily believe that Classic Collision will uphold our mission,” said Harold Wright, former