North Dakota Body Shop Brothers Embrace Family-First Mindset

PublishedMay 17, 2023

As the saying goes, the families that repair together, stay together. At least that’s how the saying goes for Jeremyand Matt Buller, brothers and owners of three North Dakota Abra Auto Body locations: Abra Auto Body Bismarck, Abra Auto Body Mandan and Abra Minot.

Family Values

Family isn’t just about the two of them. It’s also about Abra’s overarching approach to growing the business with top talent in place.

Matt and Jeremy’s interest in the industry began when they would fix cars on their family farm during their childhood. What

ASA Calls on Texas Legislature to Oppose Bill to Eliminate Vehicle Inspections

PublishedMay 17, 2023

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) called on the Texas State Senate to oppose House Bill 3297, which would eliminate the state’s vehicle safety inspection program for non-commercial vehicles.

On May 15, the State Affairs Committee passed HB 3297 on an 8-3 vote. However, earlier in this legislative session, the Texas Senate Transportation Committee rejected SB 684---a similar bill---by a vote of three in favor and five against.

Research, including a study commissioned by the legislature in 2017, unequivocally demonstrated regular testing of a vehicle’s tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights and

Texas House Passes ‘Fair Appraisal’ Bill, Sends to Senate

PublishedMay 16, 2023

After the Texas House on May 9 passed a bill establishing a fair appraisal process for damaged cars, the state Senate will now consider it.

Texas Watch and the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) are asking residents to support HB 1437 and its companion bill in the Senate, SB 554, and to ask their representatives in the Legislature to do the same.

With less than two weeks left in the session, the organizations are giving it their all to get the bills across the finish line.

The bills make fair auto appraisal mandatory in Texas auto policies, ABAT said. HB 4194 makes clear rules for appraisal so

Delaware State Supreme Court Reverses Ban on Tesla Store Sales

Written by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs
Published May 16, 2023

The Delaware Supreme Court officially reversed an earlier decision that made it illegal for Teslato have a store in the state to sell its electric cars. Now, Tesla can own its own "dealership" and move forward with its direct-to-consumer sales strategy in the state.

Tesla still can't sell its EVs in several U.S. states since it relies on direct sales. Essentially, lawmakers in the states that oppose Tesla sales believe the company would be breaking the law by owning its own dealerships and selling its own cars without a middle man. In such states, Tesla would have to agree to use a

Tesla Cybertruck Production Inches Closer as Final Stamping Component Arrives

Written by Iulian Dnistran, InsideEVs
Published May 16, 2023

Teslacontinues to prepare the commercial launch of its much-anticipated Cybertruck all-electric pickup. A photo posted by eagle-eyed Austin, TX, Gigafactory enthusiast Joe Tegtmeyer on his Twitteraccount showed what appeared to be a big part of the second 9,000-ton Giga Press that set sail from Italy’s IDRA Group about two months ago, becoming the last big stamping component to be moved to Tesla’s Stamping 2 facility at the Texas factory.

As seen in the image, the soon-to-be-assembled die-casting machine was spotted just outside the

Maaco Martinsburg Honors Military Families with Grand Opening

PublishedMay 16, 2023

Maacorecently hosted a community-focused grand opening event for its new shop in Martinsburg, WV. The new shop, Maaco Martinsburg, is located at 1357 Edwin Miller Blvd.

The grand opening event featured a car show, opportunities to connect with members of the community, and a sponsored booth where attendees could learn more about national military nonprofit Operation Homefront, one of Maaco’s charitable partners.

Operation Homefront’s mission is to build strong, stable and secure military families so they can thrive, not simply struggle to get by, in the communities---our communities---they have

Fix Auto USA is Green with Opportunity

PublishedMay 16, 2023

The automotive industry continues to change and evolve, especially as it relates to sustainability and the increasing introduction of carbon-friendly transportation options. Fix Auto Escondido recently participated in the Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Green Transpo Expo in Escondido, CA.

The event was hosted April 22 at the North County Mall and gave the community insight into the evolution of the transportation industry. The event covered popular topics such as electric cars and bikes, solar power and additional EV trends, as well as more niche topics such as alternative fuels, “green hydrogen” and the

St. Louis Auto Repair, Collision Industries Raise $11K for Tech Schools

PublishedMay 16, 2023

On April 25, St. Louis-based automotive and collision repair businesses participated in the first-ever Clays for Careers sporting clays event. The clay shoot brought together 15+ companies from throughout the industry with one goal: to assist students pursuing trades by supporting local tech schools’ automotive and collision repair programs.

The three schools benefiting from Clays for Careers were Lewis & Clark Career Center, North Tech High School and South Tech High School. Each school will receive $3,714.90 to purchase new equipment and/or repair existing tools.

“The collision industry has a unique opportunity

BBB Investigating WV Classic Car Sales Company

Written by Jim Michaels, News-Talk 1480 WHBC
Published May 16, 2023

The Canton, OH, office of the Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers to a West Virginia-based company it said is ripping off would-be buyers of high-end automobiles.

A BBB Scam Tracker submission and other complaints indicate Woolie Auto Sales and Trucking in the Fayetteville, WV, area has collected up to $22,000 from several customers interested in signing an online purchase agreement.

That’s when they say all communication with the company ends.

To add to the confusion, there is a legitimate truck sales business by that name in Fayetteville.

The

Freer Auto Body in Godfrey, IL, Earns Small Business Honor

PublishedMay 16, 2023

The RiverBend Growth Association has chosen its May Small Business of the Month award honoree to be Freer Auto Body & Accessories, Inc. of Godfrey, IL.

Located at 4512 N. Alby Road, Freer Auto Body has been a business mainstay now for 31 years with 16 employees who all have a part in supporting “the dream.” This dream was launched into reality by a young 19-year-old entrepreneur in 1991, with help from his grandfather, his brother and his whole family. David Freerwas that young man with a vision. His grandfather was Arnold Freer, an auto body man with a genuine talent.

Freer

ATMC Annual Conference Highlighted by Release of Training Benchmarks Survey Results

PublishedMay 16, 2023

The annual conference of the ASE Training Managers Council(ATMC) was recently held in Grapevine, TX. Featuring several presentations and roundtable discussions focused on training and manager development, conference attendees were also updated with the latest findings of the ATMC training benchmarks survey.

“We had a terrific turnout at this year’s ATMC conference with representatives from the OE, aftermarket, trucking, fleet and collision segments of the industry,” said Matt Shepanek, president of ATMC. “The feedback received was very positive and attendees said that the presentations and

Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show to Bring High Energy May 19-20 in Kansas 

PublishedMay 16, 2023

The Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show and Conference is this week in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, KS. 

Mike Anderson, from Collision Advice, will kick things off at noon May 19 with his “Be Extraordinary” presentation. In today’s collision repair industry, it is no longer enough to just be average. You need to be extraordinary! Anderson’s message is hard hitting, timely and full of encouragement to “Be Extraordinary!” 

Details may be found at the show’s

Bronx Lawmakers Want to Bring Auto Repair Shop Oversight

Written by John Whittaker, Post-Journal
Published May 16, 2023

A pair of New York state senators want to bring more oversight of local car repair shops---including allowing a history of parking violations or other complaints to be part of the ability to register cars or receive a state license to operate.

Sen. Gustavo Rivera, D-Bronx, and Sen. Luis Sepulveda, D-Bronx, have introduced S.5936 to amend the state Vehicle and Traffic Law to create a system in which motor vehicle and repair shops are overseen by a commissioner to make sure they are operating legally. Companion legislation (A.6951) has been introduced by

‘Hertz Electrifies Orlando’ Launched

PublishedMay 15, 2023

HertzChair and CEO Stephen Scherrand Orlando, FL, Mayor Buddy Dyer launched Hertz Electrifies Orlando, a public private partnership aimed at accelerating the adoption of EVs and expanding the environmental and economic benefits of electrification across Orlando.

As part of the partnership, Hertz aims to add up to 6,000 rental EVs to its existing fleet in Orlando, for availability to leisure and business customers as well as rideshare drivers. To help expand charging, Hertz will support the installation of up to 50 public fast chargers across the Greater Orlando area, in partnership with bp.

In

Crash Champions Donates Restored Vehicle to Fort Collins, CO, Family

Published May 15, 2023

The Crash Champions Collision Repair Team, together with Family Promise of Greater Denver, Allstateand local partners, transformed the lives of a deserving Fort Collins, CO, family by handing over keys to a fully restored vehicle.

The celebratory NABCRecycled Rides® giveaway took place May 10 at Crash Champions’ Fort Collins repair center, where Jetta Graham and her family of six drove home with the fully restored NissanPathfinder.

“I could not be more excited to receive this generous gift,” said Graham, a mother of four. “Having a safe and reliable vehicle

CARSTAR UCF Collision Pflugerville Opens in Texas

PublishedMay 12, 2023

CARSTARannounced the opening of CARSTAR UCF Collision Pflugerville, located at 4674 Priem Lane Suite 206, Pflugerville, TX 78660.

Sam Naimat, owner of CARSTAR UCF Collision Pflugerville, is an experienced business developer with a proven track record of establishing multiple Mercedes-Benzdealerships across Florida. Naimat is laser-focused on healthy ROI, maintaining production levels, controlling costs, building loyal clientele and maintaining a positive work culture. His team attributes his success to his strong organizational and leadership skills. Naimat takes great pride in his team’s ability to not

Maine Collision Repairers Lobby for ‘Right to Repair’ Law

PublishedMay 11, 2023

Auto body shop owners came to the Maine State House on May 9 to show support for a bill that would give independent repairers access to new vehicles’ repair and diagnostic information, so owners can decide where to get those vehicles fixed when needed.

The Maine Right to Repair coalition gathered more than 70,000 signatures in support of the bill, which were certified in February, allowing the question to go to the voters on the ballot in November if the Legislature does not pass the bill first.

“This is about the ability to choose where you get your car repaired,” said Tommy Hickey, director of the

Rhode Island Adopting Clean Cars, Trucks Emissions Policy

Written by Brent Addleman, The Center Square
Published May 11, 2023

Rhode Island will join seven states to rein in carbon pollution.

Democratic Gov. Dan McKee said May 10, along with state officials and legislators, the state will adopt clean car and truck emissions standards to reduce greenhouse gases. The policy would slash tailpipe emissions from cars, trucks and SUVs.

“The Act on Climate put us on the clock for meeting major carbon reduction mandates, and it’s clear to me that Rhode Island will only meet the mandates by addressing the transportation sector head-on,” McKee said in a release. “Implementing the Advanced Clean

Tesla Accused of Race-Based Discrimination, Retaliation by Former HR Manager

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published May 11, 2023

Teslais currently facing a new race-based discrimination lawsuit, this time from a former human resources manager at the Fremont Factory in California. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco.

The plaintiff in the case, Karen Draper, 47, is claiming she was terminated for refusing to unlawfully fire a Latina employee who was targeted by a White supervisor. Draper, an African-American, was hired in February 2022 to manage a team of HR personnel at Tesla’s Fremont factory.

Per the complaint, Draper faced issues seven

GM Robotaxi Unit Announces Major Expansion in Texas

Written by William Johnson, Teslarati
Published May 11, 2023

The General Motors robotaxi unit, Cruise, announced it will expand to the Houston and Dallas metro areas in Texas in the coming weeks.

Autonomous driving technology is quickly becoming a top development priority for many automakers. GM’s autonomous driving unit, Cruise, not only operates as an in-house testing lab for its upcoming technology, but also as a standalone robotaxi operator, which hopes to take the ride-hailing sector by storm.

The announcement of the service expansion was made May 10 by the Cruise CEO on Twitter. It should be noted due to regulatory

NWACA Holds Successful Inaugural Collision Training Expo

Written by Abby Andrews, Autobody News
Published May 10, 2023

The Northwest Auto Care Alliance (NWACA) held its first Collision Training Expo (CTE) on May 6 at Clover Park Technical School in Lakewood, WA.

Forty people attended the all-day training and exhibition event designed for collision shops, by collision shops. The classes---several of which were hands-on---consisted of training for managers, owners, estimators and technicians, with trainers from leading industry names like CCC,

At the second annual Southeast Collision Conference in April, collision repair professionals had the opportunity to participate in various educational sessions, attend a tradeshow with more than 50 exhibitors showcasing their products and services, and network with industry peers.

The two-day event in Doswell, VA, was hosted by the Carolinas Collision Association (CCA) and the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA). A membership awards dinner was held the evening before the show celebrating those who work in the industry.

See more photos of the show

Tesla Cybertruck Accessories Steal the Show at TX Lithium Refinery Event

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published May 10, 2023

Teslaheld a groundbreaking event for its South Texas lithium refinery, and during the event, CEO Elon Musk arrived in the Cybertruck, attracting attention to the accessories featured on the vehicle.

Musk breezed through most of his presentation on the all-electric pickup truck. Some slides were not discussed at all.

One of the slides Musk did not discuss featured what appeared to be Cybertruck accessories. One showed camping equipment, another showed a trailer, one showed an ATV later unveiled at the event, and the fourth showed what appeared to be

Tesla Working on New Crash Test Lab in Austin, TX

Written by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs
Published May 10, 2023

Teslaofficially revealed it's building a new crash test lab in Austin, TX. This comes as no surprise since it has a new factory there, and it also already has such a lab in California.

Tesla crash tests its own vehicles, which isn't uncommon, but it also tracks the EVs' real-world safety and publishes periodic crash and safety reports, which other automakers don't tend to do. In order for the EV maker to provide such data, it needs to not only track every car in its fleet, but also run its own simulations and tests to ensure its safety engineering is working as intended.

A recent

Toyota Auto Insurance Now Available in California

PublishedMay 10, 2023

Toyota Auto Insurance, the automaker's branded insurance product, is now available to customers residing in California.

Introduced to select markets in 2021, Toyota Auto Insurance offers customers quality, customizable coverage at affordable rates. Expanding into the Golden State represents a major milestone for Toyota Auto Insurance. Not only is California the nation's most populous state, it's also home to the first Toyota manufacturing facility in North America, Toyota Auto Body California.

Toyota Auto Insurance offers consumers a quick, easy and flexible policy purchase process via Toyota's state-of the-art mobile app, call

Minnesota Auto Body Shop Sponsors Technical College Uniforms

PublishedMay 10, 2023

Abra Auto Body Duluth, a locally owned and operated collision repair facility located in Duluth, MN, provided and sponsored uniforms for technical college students in the community. 

This generous act was made possible by partnering with other organizations including I-CAR’s Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) and the Cintas Corporation. 

Among the uniform recipients were Lake Superior College and St. Cloud Technical Community College students currently enrolled in the auto body technology program. Abra Auto Body Duluth supplied the uniforms for Lake Superior College and Abra

St. Louis Veteran Receives NABC Recycled Ride

PublishedMay 10, 2023

On May 7, one worthy St. Louis area veteran received a vehicle to provide him with independence and the ability to work and take care of his family, thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program, along with car donor GEICOand repair partner Schaefer Autobody Centers.

The presentation was held at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport as part of the I-CAR Regional Meeting.

“Schaefer Autobody Centers is truly humbled to repair and donate another vehicle to a service member through the NABC Recycled Rides program. Local heroes, such as Dustin, routinely put their lives on their line and

If collision professionals want to dominate, they need to “Be Extraordinary,” according to Mike Anderson, owner of Collision Advice. To do so, he said repairers must deliver an extraordinary customer experience, research OEM repair procedures, keep up with new developments and grow a team where people want to be part of the organization.

“In today’s collision repair industry, it is no longer enough to just be average,” said Anderson during a presentation held in April during the Southeast Collision Conference in Virginia. “You have to be extraordinary!”

When Anderson

The ‘Anti-Steer’ Educates Consumers About Insurance Company Steering 

Written by Ed Attanasio, Autobody News
PublishedMay 9, 2023

Dennis Douglas has a statue of a steer in front of his auto body shop, Finish Line Collision and Customs in Redding, CA. He calls it his “anti-steer.” 

It features a series of messages, all of which say basically the same---steering is wrong. The main one puts it in simple terms: "Is Your Insurance Company Full of Bull? Don’t Let Their Referral Get You a Bum Steer!”  

Douglas, 60, is in the

CARSTAR Owner Opens 2 Locations in New Jersey

PublishedMay 9, 2023

CARSTARis proud to announce the opening of two locations in New Jersey, CARSTAR Proline Auto Body of Pinebrook and CARSTAR Proline Body & Chassis.

Todd Fontana has decades of experience in the automotive repair industry and is the owner of both CARSTAR Proline Auto Body of Pinebrook and CARSTAR Proline Body & Chassis. Fontana has always had an interest in cars. His interest developed even further when he turned 18 and bought himself a 1969 PontiacFirebird for his birthday. This car quickly became both a passion project and learning opportunity for Fontana, who taught himself how to make all