Classic Collision Adds New Location in Twin Cities 

PublishedApril 14, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing April 14---the acquisition of Suburban Auto Body in Little Canada, MN. 

For 40 years, Suburban Auto Body has gone the extra mile to meet the needs of each individual customer and take away the headache of auto repair. With the use of advanced materials and technology, paired with their knowledge and training, they were able to repair the next generation of vehicles properly and safely. 

“I have built this company with a focus on making our customers happy and know that Classic Collision too takes passion in customer satisfaction,” said Dennis

WATCH: SCC Co-Hosts on Opening Day of 2nd Annual Show

PublishedApril 14, 2023

Carolinas Collision Association (CCA) Executive Director Josh Kent and Washington Metro Auto Body Association (WMABA) Executive Director Jordan Hendler were excited to welcome everyone to the opening day of the second annual Southeast Collision Conference in Virginia on April 14:

PHOTOS: Southeast Collision Conference a Success in Richmond, VA

PublishedApril 14, 2023

The second annual Southeast Collision Conference (SCC) ran April 14-15 at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, VA, just north of Richmond, co-hosted by the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) and the Carolinas Collision Association (CCA.)

Autobody News' Stacey Phillips attended the show April 14 and provided exclusive coverage.

The trade show floor was sold out and packed with about 50 vendors with more booth space than before, allowing them to bring a more interactive experience with more product demonstrations. Among those vendors

Canoo Secures Oklahoma City Manufacturing Facility

PublishedApril 12, 2023

Canoo Inc., a high-tech advanced mobility company, signed a lease agreement with an affiliate of AFV Partners for its recently announced vehicle manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City, OK.

Canoo will initially occupy close to 500,000 square feet, with the ability to expand. In phase 1, Canoo expects to employ more than 500 people, ramping teams over the coming months.

"One of the reasons we picked Oklahoma is because it

Carvana Debuts Car Vending Machine in Fort Worth, TX

PublishedApril 12, 2023

Carvanadebuted its newest car vending machine April 12 in Fort Worth, TX. The state-of-the-art steel and glass structure stands 12 stories tall with a 43-vehicle capacity.

Carvana customers can save valuable time by shopping online and can choose to either pick up their vehicle at the Fort Worth 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 advocate and receive a commemorative, oversized Carvana coin to activate the automated vending process. Then, Carvana customers get a front-row seat

Self-Driving Fleet Causes Traffic Disruption on Foggy Morning in SF

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published April 12, 2023

A group of five Waymoself-driving vehicles baffled some residents in San Francisco’s Balboa Terrace neighborhood after they stopped in the middle of a residential street early April 11. Waymo later explained the event. 

The incident occurred shortly before 6 a.m. on San Aleso Avenue. At the time, visibility was not optimal due to fog in the area. Other motorists were forced to cautiously navigate around the self-driving cars, one of which was reportedly straddling the center lane. 

Gene Valla, a Balboa Terrace resident, described his

Toyota on Path to 100% Renewable Energy for Michigan Operations 

PublishedApril 12, 2023

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and DTE Energy on April 12 announced Toyota's enrollment in MIGreenPower, DTE's voluntary renewable energy program. 

Toyota's participation puts all of TMNA's Research and Development operations in Michigan on a path to attribute 100% of its electricity use to renewable energy projects starting in 2026. This includes the company's R&D Headquarters in Ann Arbor along with six other facilities across Washtenaw County. 

TMNA's clean energy commitment covers a 20-year period and will have the environmental benefit equal to avoiding 29,000 metric tons

Florida Auto Repair Shop Owner Shoots Would-Be Robber, Carjacker 

PublishedApril 11, 2023

A man is in the hospital after being shot by the owner of a Florida auto repair shop he tried to rob, Fox News reported.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office told Fox News the suspect entered Galaxy Tires and Auto Repair in Jacksonville, FL, around 11 a.m. April 7 and demanded money from the owner while holding him at gunpoint.

Police said the suspect then tried to carjack a customer sitting in his car in the parking lot,

Tesla Cybertruck Sighted with Apparent Wheel Precision Measuring Equipment

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
PublishedApril 11, 2023

TeslaCEO Elon Musk has said the Cybertruck may start initial production this summer, so it is no surprise to see Tesla testing the Cybertruck with what appears to be wheel calibrating equipment.

This was hinted at in a recent sighting of the Tesla Cybertruck in Fremont, CA. Images showed the vehicle equipped with what appeared to be a series of sensors. Its wheels were also particularly eye-catching.

As noted by members of the Cybertruck Owners Forum, mounted on the steel wheels were what appear to be wheel force transducers, designed

Tesla Model Y Output Being Ramped at Giga Texas

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published April 11, 2023

Earlier in April, TeslaGiga Texas hit a new milestone by building 4,000 Model Y in one week. A recent flyover of the Gigafactory Texas complex suggested the Tesla team has not let off the accelerator since.

Tesla watcher Jeff Roberts, who has been following the progress of Giga Texas since its earliest days, recently shared images and footage from a drone flyover he recently conducted around the facility. Roberts

TX Auto Body Shop Owner Inspiring Young Girls to Drive Their Own Destiny

Written by Sara Wilson, KAGS
Published April 11, 2023

Normally cars and the world of automobiles is described as a "man's thing," but one woman has taken charge as a woman boss to inspire young girls.

As National Women's Month comes to a close, women have shared with KAGStheir paths to entrepreneurship, their ways on challenging gender norms, breaking barriers in male-dominated industries, and now inspiring young women of the future.

Keeta Garrett and her husband Silasboth grew up learning how to be an entrepreneur, with both of their parents showing them the ropes of owning businesses

Tenneson Collision in GA Shifts into New Gear

Written by Davis Cobb, The Tifton Gazette
Published April 10, 2023

Automotive collision repair company Tenneson Collision Center in Tifton, GA, marked a new step for its business with a ribbon-cutting ceremony courtesy of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce.

The center celebrated joining the chamber March 23, inviting its staff and chamber representatives to a commemorative lunch to mark the occasion.

Despite opening in December 2020 by the same owners of Tifton's Tenneson Nissan, the business provides collision repair and towing services to cars of any make and model.

Tenneson Collision's ribbon cutting was also

ABPA Opposes Texas Bill That Would Restrict Use of Alternative Replacement Parts

PublishedApril 7, 2023

On March 27, the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) submitted opposition to Texas Senate Bill 1083 (2023), which will adversely affect Texas drivers as it would establish a 36-month restriction against the use of alternative parts including aftermarket, recycled, remanufactured and refurbished parts when OEM repair procedures are mandated.

The ABPA is against any repair procedure that encourages monopolistic behavior that would solely benefit the OEM manufacturer, as this would further burden the consumer.

Based on the language of the bill, Texas vehicle owners will be given the false

Classic Collision Adds New Location in Houston

PublishedApril 7, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing April 7---the acquisition of Pinnacle CARSTAR Auto Body in Tomball, TX.

For many years, Pinnacle CARSTAR Auto Body has taken pride in helping customers get back on the road as soon as possible and in the best possible version of their vehicle.

“We have specialized in keeping our customers’ vehicles looking as good as---or better than!---the day they bought them and believe that Classic Collision will continue our dedication to our craftsmanship,” said Martin Russel, former owner of Pinnacle CARSTAR Auto Body.

“We are eager to welcome the entire

EVgo Gets $6.6M Grant from CA to Deploy Fast Charging Stalls

PublishedApril 7, 2023

EVgo Inc. on April 4 announced it has been selected for proposed awards of $6.6 million from the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) 2.0 program.

The funding is designed to aid the deployment of fast charging infrastructure in the central and eastern regions of California through the Golden State Priority Project (GSPP), which provides rebates for the installation of DC fast chargers capable of at least 150kW, focusing exclusively on disadvantaged community or low-income community census tracts.

With the rebate, EVgo will be deploying high-power 350kW

Woodman Collision Center in IL Earns Small Business Award

PublishedApril 7, 2023

The RiverBend Growth Association recently announced its April 2023 Small Business of the Month award honoree as Woodman Collision Center in Godfrey, IL.

Located at 4515 N. Alby Road, co-owners Chadand Ryan Woodman noted they have been in business at their current location for 18 years and now have 12 employees.

The firm has more than 75 years in the body shop business. Jessand

Bill Proposes Increasing Transition of Maine’s State Vehicles to Alternative Energy

Written by Dave Fidlin, The Center Square
Published April 7, 2023

A small fraction of Maine’s approximately 3,770 state-owned vehicles are powered by electricity and other alternative forms.

Newly introduced legislation touted as a lynchpin in Maine’s continued steps toward climate-friendly policy would change the data point in the immediate years ahead.

On March 31, state Sen. Ben Chipman, D-Portland, went before the Legislature’s Committee on State and Local Government and discussed Legislative Document 655, a bill he is sponsoring and is aimed at combating carbon emissions.

While Maine’s

NABC Celebrates Winners of Lone Star Pars for Cars Golf Fundraiser

PublishedApril 6, 2023

The members, partners and colleagues of the National Auto Body Council saddled up for the NABC® Pars for Cars Golf Fundraiser, presented by Enterprise, and a NABC Recycled Rides® presentation---all held April 4 at Lone Star Golf Course in Euless, TX.

Each year, the NABC and its member partners raise funds to support hundreds of NABC Recycled Rides car presentations to those in need, NABC F.R.E.E.™ education programs for first responders, and NABC Drive Out Distraction programs that keeps thousands of drivers safe on the road.

Winners of the NABC® Lone Star Pars for Cars Golf Fundraiser presented by

Fix Auto Ogden Opens in Utah

PublishedApril 6, 2023

Fix Auto USA announced the opening of Fix Auto Ogden, located at 3261 Midland Drive, Ogden UT 84401. 

Efrain Perez, owner of Fix Auto Ogden, began his career in the automotive industry in Colombia, South America, where he supported his father’s body shop. Once his family moved to the U.S., he started a small auto body shop with his family’s support. 

Family continues to be a driving force for Perez, who oversees the Fix Auto Ogden location with the help of Rebeca Perez, his wife. Rebeca recently joined the industry, working at the Fix Auto Ogden location for just over a year. While she is new to

Gary Keyes Hired as Executive Director of Florida Auto Care Alliance

PublishedApril 5, 2023

The Auto Care Alliance (ACA) is proud to announce its Florida association, the Florida Auto Care Alliance (FLACA), headquartered in Jacksonville, has hired Gary Keyes as its new executive director. Keyes brings with him years of experience as a shop owner and board member, making him a perfect fit for this position.

Keyes has been involved in the automotive industry for more than 30 years. He started his career as a technician and eventually opened his own shop, E & M Motors, in Stuart, FL. During his time as a shop owner, Keyes was an active leader in various industry

Small Kansas College Will Show Car at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

PublishedApril 5, 2023

A vision 10 years in the making has come true for students, alumni and employees of the McPherson College Automotive Restoration program---the only four-year bachelor’s degree program for automotive restoration in the nation.

The 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet, entirely restored by students, has been accepted by the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and will be shown there Aug. 20.

“Congratulations to the McPherson College students for having their car accepted to Pebble Beach,” said comedian and car enthusiast Jay Leno.

Leno’s support 20 years ago was the

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, Arity Launch Program Rewarding Safe Drivers

PublishedApril 5, 2023

Texas Farm Bureau Insurance on March 30 announced its new insurance program, Drive‘n Save, built in partnership with Arity, a mobility data and analytics company.

The program offers drivers the chance to save 10% on their auto insurance premium just for participating, with deeper discounts available for drivers who demonstrate ongoing safe driving behavior. Policyholders download Texas Farm Bureau Insurance’s mobile telematics app, which collects driving behavior data to provide them with more accurate and fairer pricing based on how and how much they drive, leading the way for the future of

Quality Collision Group Acquires Schaefer Autobody Centers

PublishedApril 5, 2023

Quality Collision Group, a private-equity-backed venture of multisite OEM-certified collision repair centers, on April 4 announced the acquisition of Schaefer Autobody Centers. 

Quality Collision Group 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 of the service centers it acquires. 

Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, Schaefer Autobody Centers provides an expanded national footprint for QCG as it continues its merger-acquisition

Fresno, CA, Man Charged with Running Auto Theft Scheme

PublishedApril 5, 2023

Detectives with the Fresno, CA, H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) Task Force arrested Christopher Michael Asher, 56, of Fresno, for allegedly running an auto broker scam.

On March 30, Asher was booked into the Fresno County Jail on numerous charges related to auto theft and forgery. His bail was set at $117,000. He has since posted bond and been released from jail with a court hearing scheduled for May 19.

Detectives began this investigation in August 2022, after learning a Huntington Beach, CA, car dealer was searching for one of its vehicles, listed as stolen, in the Fresno area. HEAT detectives determined the

Alabama Toyota Plant Announces $49M Solar Power Project

PublishedApril 5, 2023

More than 70% of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama's power will soon be generated by the sun, as Huntsville Utilities, Toyota Alabama and Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. (TAI) on April 5 announced a power purchase agreement (PPA) to support a 168-acre, $49 million solar project.

The 30-megawatt solar-generated system will be located in the North Huntsville Industrial Park, surrounding the Toyota engine plant. It is expected to generate 62,000 megawatt hours annually---reducing approximately 22,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year. That's enough solar energy to power more than 5,600 U.S.

Porsche Donates to Atlanta Technical College to Support Students

PublishedApril 5, 2023

Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) announced an educational donation to support students at Atlanta Technical College (ATC), located less than 5 miles from its U.S. headquarters. 

The gift was announced at the opening of a second public driving track and new Porsche Classic facility, the centerpieces of expanding the PCNA headquarters campus in Atlanta.

As a company committed to its local community, PCNA seeks to continue supporting educational initiatives in Atlanta. The donation will go towards the Gap Funding program (GFP) at Atlanta Technical College, which covers the cost of a student's education after

Michigan’s Auto Insurance Reform Law Reducing Costs, Paper Finds

PublishedApril 5, 2023

Michigan’s personal auto insurers are paying out less in claims and drivers are paying less in premiums since changes were made to the state’s no-fault system in 2020 and policyholders are benefiting, two non-resident scholars at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) have found.

“Our initial evaluation of the likely effects of the reform legislation indicates that it is significantly reducing the costs of auto insurance for many Michigan drivers. How much these reductions will be for any given driver will depend on the PIP [personal injury protection] option they choose among other factors,” said No-Fault Auto

NC Man Bought Stolen Maserati from Carvana

Written by Steven Symes, Motorious
Published April 5, 2023

A U.S. Army veteran living in North Carolina was shocked to learn the MaseratiLevante he bought for more than $68,000 from Carvanawas in fact stolen. 

Jason Scott bought the car in November for his wife’s birthday, but he learned in February the Italian SUV not only was reported stolen, but also wasn’t even the model year he thought it was.

Everything unraveled when Scott took the Levante to a Maserati dealership for servicing. A technician discovered parts of the vehicle didn’t match the year displayed by the VIN, raising suspicions.

Ex-Tesla Worker Awarded $3.2M in Race Bias Case After Refusing $15M

Written by Dan Mihalascu, InsideEVs
Published April 5, 2023

A Black former Teslacontract worker who refused a payout of $15 million last year in damages for severe racial harassment has been awarded $3.2 million by a federal jury in San Francisco.

Owen Diaz, who worked as a elevator operator at Tesla's factory in Fremont, CA, sued the automaker in 2017 for violating a California law that prohibits employers from failing to address hostile work environments based on race or other protected traits. The first jury awarded Diaz $137 million in damages.

In June 2022, U.S. District Judge William

Autonomous Vehicles May Soon Appear on Kentucky Roadways

Written by Steve Bittenbender, The Center Square
Published April 5, 2023

A bill approved by both chambers of the Kentucky General Assembly on the final day of its 2023 session could impact the future of transportation across the state.

House Bill 135 would establish a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles to operate across the state. The legislation sponsored by state Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon, was revived in the session’s final two days after it did not clear the Senate Transportation Committee a couple of weeks earlier.

Senate leaders reassigned the bill to the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee when the