Thieves Swipe Classic Cars from CO Storage Facility

Written by Steven Symes, Motorious
Published May 8, 2023

Two classic cars were swiped from a storage facility in Colorado Springs, CO, along with other valuables.

According to a report from KRDO, the thieves exploited an unlocked storage unit. Once inside, they broke through the plywood walls into other storage units in the same block, pilfering whatever they

Group Urges Road Enhancements in IL to Prevent Traffic Deaths

Written by Zeta Cross, The Center Square
Published May 8, 2023

When it comes to car crashes and traffic deaths, some say smart road design can save lives.

Dave Simmons, executive director of bike rider advocacy group Ride Illinois, said 1,280 people died in traffic crashes in Illinois in 2022. Across the U.S. in 2022, 42,795 people died in motor vehicle crashes.

“A stunning number of deaths,” Simmons said. “Our friends at Families for Safe Streets say that that is equivalent to the crash of a medium-sized passenger jet every single day.”

The good news is that 54 fewer people died in Illinois traffic

Crash Champions Founder & CEO is EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Midwest Finalist

PublishedMay 8, 2023

Crash Champions on May 8 proudly announced founder and CEO Matt Ebert has been named a finalist for the 2023 Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur Of The Year® Midwest Award.

Now in its 37th year, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award is one of the most competitive and esteemed recognitions, celebrating transformative leaders of high-growth companies building a better world.

Ebert was selected alongside 35 Midwest finalists representing the region’s preeminent, high-growth businesses. As a finalist, Ebert, who was also recently named the MSO Executive of the Year in 2022, will

AASP-MN Awards Scholarships to Automotive Students

PublishedMay 8, 2023

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) is pleased to announce it has awarded 22 scholarships totaling $20,000 to help automotive service and collision repair students pay for tuition or tools during the 2023-24 school year.

The scholarships are in the amounts of $500 to $1,500 and are made possible by the generous donation from the Minnesota State I-CAR Committee, as well as proceeds from AASP-MN’s Annual Race for Automotive Education fundraiser.

Thirty college and high school students from 10 schools submitted completed applications. Applications were reviewed by a committee of

Rally Planned at CA State Capitol Building to Protest EV Mandates

PublishedMay 5, 2023

The United Motor Vehicle Coalition of California (UVMCC) is organizing a Unification Rally at 10 a.m. May 21 on the steps of the State Capitol Building in Sacramento, CA, to protest the state's ban on sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035.

The UVMCC said the rally will be "fighting the state mandates and executive orders aimed at banning fuel-burning vehicles, and the all-electric vehicle agenda, which will have a major impact on every aspect of the auto industry and on every citizen who didn’t have a voice, or a choice."

Between 6,000 and 8,000 people are expected to attend, the UVMCC said.

This will be

With Illinois Gas Prices Above $4 a Gallon, Corn Farmers Hope EPA Decision Eases Burden

Written by Kevin Bessler, The Center Square
Published May 3, 2023

With the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in Illinois already above $4, more than 50 cents higher than any of its neighboring states, some are hopeful prices may ease now that the Environmental Protection Agency has issued an emergency waiver to allow for the sale of E15 gasoline this summer.

Illinois was asking for the waiver, which exempts the 15% ethanol fuel blend from anti-smog regulations

Carvana Expands Chicago Presence with Newest Car Vending Machine

PublishedMay 3, 2023

Carvanaon May 3 launched its newest car vending machine near Chicago, located in Schaumburg, IL. The state-of-the-art steel and glass structure stands 12 stories tall with a 43-vehicle capacity, offering local car buyers a second location in the Chicago area to partake in the full car vending machine experience.

Carvana customers can save valuable time by shopping online, and can choose to either pick up their vehicle at the Schaumburg car vending machine or have the vehicle delivered to their home. When customers opt for a car vending machine pick up, upon their arrival at the tower, they will be greeted by a customer

Agreement Gives Fargo, ND, Repair Shop Aug. 1 Closing Deadline

Written by David Olson, The Forum
Published May 3, 2023

The city of Fargo, ND, and the operator of a north Fargo auto repair shop have reached an agreement that will allow John Bultman, who runs John's Repair Shop, to stay in business until Aug. 1.

However, Bultman, who has operated the shop for 42 years, says he is unhappy with some of the terms set by the city---including how vehicles outside of the shop are to be managed---and he plans to wrap things up by the end of May.

The agreement, approved by the Fargo City Commission on May 1, settles a conflict that arose when the city informed Bultman earlier this year

Remote Vehicle Sale Legislation Signed into Law in Iowa

PublishedMay 2, 2023

Legislation to allow remote sales of vehicles was signed into law April 28 by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds.

The legislation was introduced and sponsored in early March by the Iowa House Transportation Committee, and passed unanimously in both the Iowa House of Representatives with a 95-0 vote, and in the Iowa State Senate in a 50-0 vote.

Carvana, which buys and sells used cars online, has been a strong advocate of this legislation throughout the proceedings.

“Iowa residents have been clear that they are fans of Carvana’s online buying experience,” said William Dammann, manager of

NC Auto Repair Shop Owner Sentenced for Coding 15K Vehicles to Avoid Emissions Inspections

PublishedMay 2, 2023

Jamal Saymeh, 59, of Charlotte, NC, was sentenced May 1 to a year and a day in prison followed by two years of supervised release for fraudulently coding more than 15,000 vehicles that would have otherwise failed the required state emissions inspection, a violation of the Clean Air Act.

Saymeh was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney, who also ordered Saymeh to pay a $1.2 million fine and $82,026 in restitution to the State of North Carolina, announced Dena J. King, U.S. attorney for the Western District of North

Uzzardo Appointed to CAWA’s Manufacturers' Advisory Council

PublishedMay 2, 2023

Vinni Uzzardo of Standard Motor Products (SMP) has been appointed to CAWA’s Manufacturers' Advisory Council.

“We are pleased to have Vinni join our leadership team and contribute to our discussions of current and future industry issues," said Young Suhr Jr., chair of the Board of Directors. “We look forward to his participation and contributions which will assist the association in achieving its goals as an effective and valuable automotive aftermarket industry organization."

Uzzardo has 38 years of automotive aftermarket experience. He started his career working at his family’s

Collision Engineering Program Announces 7th School

PublishedMay 2, 2023

The Enterprise Holdings Foundation and Ford Motor Company Fund announced the Parkland College Automotive Collision Repair Program in Champaign, IL, has been selected as the seventh school to offer the industry-leading Collision Engineering Program (CEP).

The program expansion is made possible through the cross-industry partnership between the two automotive leaders ...

EV Fee in Pennsylvania Touted as 'Best Path Forward'

Written by Anthony Hennen, The Center Square
Published May 1, 2023

Pennsylvania lawmakers want to find a way to replace the gas tax with electric vehicle fees---before they miss out on tens of millions of dollars to fund the state’s roads and bridges.

The trick, as officials heard testimony May 1 during a House Transportation Committee hearing, is to figure out what form that fee should take to capture enough revenue.

“We must recognize the fact that our country is at the beginning stages of changing gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles,” said Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia. “We need to be certain that our roads and bridges can

GM Eyes $200M Plant for Sierra, Silverado EV Parts Production

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published May 1, 2023

General Motors is considering the former site of The Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan for a $200 million electric vehicle parts plant. The new factory would be close to GM’s Orion assembly plant and would likely supply parts for the ChevySilverado EV and GMCSierra EV.

“General Motors has identified the former Palace of Auburn Hills site as a potential location for a supplier park to support its Orion Assembly Plant, which will be expanded to produce electric pickup trucks. The company is still determining the scope of work and which supplier will have operations in

UL Solutions Opens EV Charging Laboratory in Illinois

PublishedMay 1, 2023

UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, officially opened its North America Advanced Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Laboratory in Northbrook, IL. The facility will help enable EV charging OEMs and their suppliers with shorter development cycles, faster time-to-market and the ability to be more competitive in the global marketplace.

Adjacent to UL Solutions' global headquarters, the facility has capabilities for Level 1 and Level 2 alternating current (AC) EV chargers, direct current (DC) fast chargers and grid connectivity testing for vehicle-to-grid and distributed energy resources. It also features vehicle simulation

Pennsylvania Traffic Deaths Fall 4% After Increasing for Years

Written by Anthony Hennen, The Center Square
Published May 1, 2023

Pennsylvania recorded a slight decline in the number of traffic deaths in 2022, though some types of fatalities increased while others fell to the lowest level in decades.

Statewide traffic deaths fell to 1,179 in 2022, compared to 1,230 in 2021---a 4% drop, according to data released by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Overall crashes, too, have dropped: the agency noted reportable crashes fell to their second-lowest level since 1951.

Nationally, almost 43,000 people died in traffic crashes in 2022, a small 0.3% decrease from a year ago.

"Pennsylvania

Rivian to Establish Remanufacturing Facility in Shepherdsville, KY

PublishedApril 28, 2023

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on April 27 announced leaders at EV-maker Rivianwill invest $10 million to establish a remanufacturing facility in Bullitt County, creating 218 full-time, quality jobs.

Rivian currently stocks replacement parts at an existing 326,000-square-foot facility in Shepherdsville. This project will see the company improve and update the existing operation to establish a robust remanufacturing facility to support the warranty, repair and service footprint of the company’s EV trucks. 

The investment will help expand the capability and capacity of this existing site to

Crash Champions, NABC Recycled Rides Donate Car to Nashville Single Mother, U.S. Army Veteran 

PublishedApril 27, 2023

In a celebratory giveaway April 26, the Crash Champions Collision Repair Team proudly joined hands with the National Auto Body Council® (NABC), GEICOand local partners to change the life of a deserving local single mother and U.S. Army veteran. 

Nicole Leyva, who was nominated for the giveaway by Operation Stand Down of Tennessee, received keys to a fully-restored Kia Optima as part of the NABC Recycled Rides program. 

“My family and I are very thankful for this meaningful gift,” said Leyva. “For those that have been

EV Chip Giant Pulled to California Amid Intense Production Race

Written by William Johnson, Teslarati
Published April 27, 2023

Bosch, a leader in the EV computer chip industry, announced it will acquire and upgrade a chip fabrication facility in California.

If COVID showed the automotive industry anything, it is its desperate need for computer chips for everything from adjustable seats to window regulators. And with the dramatic increase in the demand for these chips coming with the transition to electric vehicles, chip manufacturing will need to kick into high gear to keep up.

Bosch is buying the plant from TSI Semiconductors for an undisclosed amount. Bosch did share it will be

Man Attacked with Machete at NJ Auto Repair Shop

PublishedApril 26, 2023

Police charged a man with attempted homicide after he struck another man with a machete multiple times, after getting into an argument at an auto repair shop in Hamilton Township, NJ.

According to News 12 New Jersey, police said Nicholas Schiarretti hit the other man with the machete April 24 at American Auto Repair & Performance Center. It was not reported why Schiarretti was at the shop.

Police said the victim was taken to the hospital for treatment and is

Thieves Clean Out NC Dealership Showroom

By Steven Symes, Motorious
Published April 26, 2023

Surveillance footage showed a group of several thieves break into a showroom in Henderson, NC, find the keys for several cars, and drive them out into the parking lot and into the night.

The incident happened April 16. Ultimately, they got away with a ChevyCamaro, CadillacEscalade and AudiQ5. All three are expensive rides and the thieves likely knew that, which was why they looked for those specific keys.

For reasons not detailed in a local news report, the thieves abandoned the Escalade the next day in Matthews, NC, where police found it. The suspects are still on the loose and the

Arizona Moves $50 Million to Highway Road Repair

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

The Arizona Department of Transportation announced a $50.5 million allocation toward repairs on several highways in the state.

"I'm proud to announce an over $50 million investment in fixing our roads," Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a statement. "For too long, Arizona has failed to invest the money we need to protect our highways and ensure a brighter future for all Arizonans. Snow and rain this winter exposed the lack of upkeep and I'm grateful to the State Transportation Board for identifying these projects and approving these critical investments."

The repairs include work

Ohio Handheld Ban Has Reduced Distracted Driving More Than 8%

PublishedApril 26, 2023

Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), the world’s largest telematics service provider, on April 25 announced a new analysis on the distracted driving levels in Ohio, just three weeks after the state enacted a handheld phone ban.

The analysis shows Ohio drivers spent an average of 1 minute and 39 seconds per hour on the road handling their phones in March. Since the handheld ban began April 4, phone motion distraction has fallen to an average of 1 minute and 31 seconds per hour, a drop of more than 8%.

CMT’s data shows every 10% decrease in distracted driving reduces the crash rate by 1.4%. CMT estimates the 8% reduction

Del Grande Dealer Group Raises $43,000 to Fight Pediatric Cancer

PublishedApril 26, 2023

Del Grande Dealer Group(DGDG), Northern California’s largest family-owned automotive group, recently partnered with Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a nonprofit dedicated to helping kids fight cancer.

DGDG’s Capitol Hyundai, Fremont Hyundai and Stevens Creek Hyundai sold a total of 3,046 units, which resulted in a $42,644 donation. The money raised will provide critical funds to the efforts of doctors and researchers who work tirelessly to improve outcomes for children battling cancer.

“The Del Grande Dealer Group and its 1,000-plus team members truly believe that giving back and being

Louisiana Woman Sentenced for Staged Auto Collision Scheme

PublishedApril 26, 2023

Lois Russell, 63, of Gibson, LA, was sentenced April 20 after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced.

According to court documents, on March 27, 2017, Russell conspired with Tanya Givens, John

Refined Tesla Cybertruck Sighted Testing on Fremont Roads

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published April 26, 2023

Teslacritics may continue to argue the Cybertruck does not exist, but such points will likely be moot in the coming months. If sightings of the upcoming all-electric truck are any indication, it appears the Tesla Cybertruck is steadily getting more refined, and it is closing in on its initial production.

Recent photos shared on the TeslaMotors subreddit showed a Tesla Cybertruck prototype driving near the Fremont, CA, factory and the company’s pilot 4680 battery cell production line at Kato Road. The vehicle in the photos looked refined with its clean exterior, side mirrors and “mega

Crash Champions Takes Part in NABC Recycled Rides® Giveaway for Orlando Single Mother

PublishedApril 26, 2023

In a celebratory giveaway event April 25, the Crash Champions Collision Repair Team proudly partnered with the National Auto Body Council® (NABC), GEICOand local partners to change the life of a deserving local single mother and her family.

Reina Medina, who was nominated by The Arc of South Florida, is now the proud owner of a restored vehicle donated as part of the NABC Recycled Rides program.

“My entire family is incredibly grateful for this wonderful donation,” said Medina. “The vehicle gifted to us today will allow us greater work

Tesla Planning Upgrades, Freeing Up Space at Fremont Due to Growth

Written by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs
Published April 25, 2023

Even after opening several new factories, it seems Tesla’s goal is still to upgrade its original facility in Fremont, CA, and make more space.

There's very little room for expansion at the Fremont factory. Perhaps it could be built up, by adding more floors or freeing up the upper floor space for better use. Tesla has also acquired some other nearby buildings and properties, but it's clearly out of space, as it has resorted to putting up tents over the years.

There have been a number of recent filings that suggest the upgrade process at the Tesla factory is ongoing,

Car ADAS Solutions Announces 3 New California Licensees 

PublishedApril 25, 2023

Car ADAS Solutions, a leading ADAS calibration technology and services provider, announced the addition of three new licensees in California. They include Accelerated ADAS in Riverside, owned by Jim Perod; APEX Calibrations in Fresno, owned by Tony Morgan; and Quantum ADAS Calibrations LLC in San Diego, owned by Preston Eherenfeldt. 

“We are excited to begin our California calibration center build-out with the Car ADAS model,” said Greg Peeters, founder and CEO of CAR ADAS. “These are forward-thinking industry leaders

California Hits 1.5 Million EV Sales Milestone 2 Years Ahead of Schedule

Written by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs
Published April 25, 2023

The California Energy Commission said the Golden State hit its previously designated target of 1.5 million electric vehicle sales two years ahead of its goal of 2025.

This may come as no surprise to people who follow the space, thanks to the huge popularity of EVs in California. It's not the only U.S. state with booming EV sales, as the list is growing.

According to Electrek, former California Gov. Jerry Brown set the 2025 EV sales target in 2012. The only fully electric car for sale in the state at that time was the NissanLeaf. The