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

8 New Bipartisan Co-Sponsors Support REPAIR Act

PublishedApril 26, 2023

The CAR Coalition, MEMA Aftermarket, Auto Care Association and SEMAare applauding a new group of bipartisan cosponsors of the federal REPAIR Act (H.R. 906), which will ensure choice, fairness and safety in the vehicle repair market.

In addition to original sponsor U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, R-FL, and co-sponsors Reps. Brendan Boyle, D-PA, Warren Davidson, R-OH, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-WA, eight additional members have signed on in support of the REPAIR Act: Reps. Zoe Lofgren, D-CA, Glenn Thompson, R-PA,

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

Ford Wins Appeal Against $1.2B Lawsuit Over Truck Fuel Economy Claims

Written by Sebastien Bell, CarScoops
Published April 24, 2023

Fordhas defeated an appeal in a case that accused it of deceiving the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to inflate the MPG numbers of its pickup trucks. The court ruled the agency’s authority is greater than individual states’ in determining fuel economy.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati ruled against a class of plaintiffs, who claimed the automaker had misled the EPA by intentionally miscalculating factors used in certifying MPG numbers. The case relates to 2018-2020 F-150s and 2019–2020 Rangers, as reported

GM Recalls 40,400 Chevy Trucks for Fire Risk

PublishedApril 24, 2023

General Motors is recalling a total of 40,428 Chevrolet medium-duty pickup trucks due to a fire risk.

GM notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the safety recall April 14.

The affected include 2019-2023 model year 4500HD, 5500HD and 6500HD units.

The brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause an electrical short-circuit.

Consequently, an electrical short in the brake pressure switch can overheat the circuit and increase the risk of a fire while driving or parked.

Owners are advised to park outside and away from

Lean, Green Facility Delivers Bottom-Line Impact for Maaco of Hayward, CA

PublishedApril 24, 2023

David Co, owner of Maaco in Hayward, CA, didn’t set out to own a paint and body shop, but when he visited a Maaco to get a dent repair estimate about 17 years ago, it changed his path.

He also didn’t plan to overhaul his facility to be environmentally friendly, but when he got a face full of sanding dust while walking through his Maaco location, he knew something had to be done.

“This cannot happen in a quality repair shop,” Co said. “I knew I needed to do something for our team members, our shop cleanliness and our efficiency.”

Co, a member of the Maaco Advisory Board, had

Tesla Wins Autopilot Trial Related to CA Car Crash

Written by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs
Published April 24, 2023

A jury in California determined Teslawasn't at fault for a crash that involved Autopilot. The jury concluded the safety system didn't fail, and the car's airbags also worked properly. Essentially, the message here was drivers can't blame the car if there's an issue they should have handled.

Tesla has offered Autopilot as a free feature for many years, though it has evolved via different hardware and over-the-air software updates. While its name suggests it may drive the car for you, it's really a suite of advanced driver-assist systems like you'll find in many of today's cars.

Tesla

Parents Sue Kia After Teens Killed in Stolen Crashed SUV

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published April 24, 2023

A New York KiaSportage crash that killed four teens and injured two others was allegedly caused by Kia even though the 2021 Kia Sportage was stolen and traveling 100 mph when it crashed into a wall.

The wrongful death lawsuit was filed by two mothers of two of the deceased teens who claim the crash would not have occurred if Kia would have installed engine immobilizers in the Sportage.

According to the lawsuit: "An engine immobilizer is a critical piece of electronic security technology that serves as a crucial tool in minimizing the risk of vehicle theft. Immobilizers

Atlanta Residents Receive NABC Recycled Rides

PublishedApril 24, 2023

On April 19, two deserving Atlanta area residents, including a military veteran, received a donated vehicle to provide them independence and the ability to work and take care of their families, thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program along with car donor Farmers Insuranceand repair partners Classic Collision and Caliber Collision, whose teammates donated their time and skills to restore the vehicles.

The presentation was held at the 13th annual I-CAR Golf Tournament, located at The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farm in Woodstock, benefiting the Collision Repair

Stardust Power Inc. to Build Lithium Refinery in Central U.S.

PublishedApril 21, 2023

Stardust Power Inc., an American developer of lithium resources, announced April 20 its plan to build a new battery-grade lithium refining facility in the Central U.S.

When fully operational, Stardust’s factory is expected to produce 50,000 metric tons per year of high-quality battery-grade lithium, supporting the expansion of domestic manufacturing and helping to secure U.S. energy independence.

For Stardust, the refinery’s strategic central U.S. location will ensure it is well-positioned from both upstream and downstream perspectives, with offtake agreements negotiated with lithium miners and a lithium refinery in

‘Hertz Electrifies Atlanta’ Launched

PublishedApril 21, 2023

Hertz chair and CEO Stephen Scherr and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens launched Hertz Electrifies Atlanta, a public private partnership aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and expanding the environmental and economic benefits of electrification throughout Atlanta.

As part of the partnership, Hertz aims to bring up to an additional 4,000 rental EVs to Atlanta---including models from GM, Teslaand Polestar---for availability to leisure and business customers as well as rideshare drivers. In partnership with bp, Hertz will support the installation of up to eight public fast

Green Repairs Driving Next Chapter for Storied WA Collision Business

PublishedApril 21, 2023

When the Murray family patriarch Bj. Bjorneby founded Bjorneby’s Auto Rebuild in the Seattle area some 50 years ago, he never could have envisioned electric vehicles---never mind fixing them.

Today, Bjorneby’s grandson Kyle Murray is focused on just that, with one facility in Des Moines, WA, dedicated solely to Teslaand other EV repairs.

The family has numerous locations throughout Seattle where Kyle’s mother Wendy Murray, father Patrick and uncle Thomasare continuing the family tradition of innovation and

Fleming Body Shop Celebrates Grand Opening in NC

Written by Ryan Kelly, The Mount Airy News
Published April 21, 2023

Frank Fleming Body Shop & Collision Center celebrated the grand opening of its new location April 15 at 811 Merita Dr. in Mount Airy, NC, with a cruise in, food trucks and some of the Fleming family racing modifieds.

Red shirts abounded as the red ribbon was cut at the grand opening.

The Fleming Auto Body Shop opening doubled as a good excuse to shine up and show off all sorts of cars and trucks. With the cars’ hoods open and windows down, sticking one’s face into a 1960s Plymouthand getting a whiff of that “old car smell” is a sensory delight for many car lovers.

Auto Repair Shop Opens in The Dalles, OR, with a Little Help from a Friend

PublishedApril 21, 2023

Jamie Parke said he first started working on vehicles with his dad Jerryat his shop in Vancouver, WA. Parke was 4 years old. 

“I’ve been doing this forever,” he said on April 12, noting he and Tammerack Knopf just replaced a transmission on a Scionat his new shop.

The 38-year-old opened Parke Auto Repair LLC at 2937 E. Second St. in The Dalles, OR, earlier this year, striking out on his own after friend Rod Huante helped him out with some capital. It’s across the street from Big Jim’s. 

Parke

Idaho Man Charged After Allegedly Attacking Coworker with Pry Bar

Written by Andrea Olson, East Idaho News
Published April 21, 2023

A 36-year-old man is facing a felony charge after allegedly hitting his coworker with a pry bar.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by the Idaho Falls Police Department, on April 13, an officer was dispatched to a local auto repair shop.

The victim reported he had just been hit with a pry bar on his back by Kendal Jenkins. Both the victim and Jenkins are employees of the business.

The victim said he was working on a vehicle when Jenkins started “running his mouth,” court documents said.

The victim said he mocked Jenkins,

The attorneys general from 17 states, including California and New York, are calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a safety recall to remedy what they claim is a flaw that makes some Hyundaiand Kiavehicles easier to steal.

“The bottom line is, Kia’s and Hyundai’s failure to install standard safety features on many of their vehicles have put vehicle owners and the public at risk,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who led the coalition of states in its call for a recall,

Art City Auto Body in Utah Joins 1Collision

PublishedApril 20, 2023

1Collisionis excited to announce the addition of Art City Auto Body in Springville, UT. The business is owned by Daniel Arce and prides itself on caring about its customers and the community.

“We love to help people and offer superior service,” said Arce. “Our goal is to offer the same service we would offer our mother.”

Established in 1995, Arce purchased the shop two years ago from William Rathigan. To help operate the business, Arce hired his two younger brothers. Ben Arce is an estimator and runs production and John Arce manages the parts

Avis Sued for Reporting LA Woman’s Rental Car as Stolen

Written by Steven Symes, Motorious
PublishedApril 20, 2023

Ramona Gutierrez, a single mother and full-time Uberdriver in Los Angeles, said Aviserroneously reported the car she'd rented as stolen, leading to her getting pulled over and detained by the Los Angles County Sheriff’s Department, so she’s suing the rental car company.

According to Gutierrez, on March 22, she was driving on the freeway in a vehicle she rented from Avis because her personal vehicle was in the shop, when she was pulled over by six sheriff’s department vehicles. She claimed deputies held her at gunpoint, slamming her to the ground and roughly

Fire Breaks Out at Attleboro, MA, Auto Repair Shop

Written by Michael DeFusco, WPRI News
Published April 20, 2023

Crews spent around two hours battling a fire April 15 at an auto body repair shop in Attleboro, MA.

The flames broke out around 5 p.m. at County Auto and its garage on County Street.

District Fire Chief David Charest said it’s unclear how the fire started. It was under control by about 7 p.m.

Mutual aid was provided by North Attleboro, Norton and Plainville.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

...

Fix Auto San Marcos Opens in California

PublishedApril 20, 2023

Fix Auto USA announced the opening of Fix Auto San Marcos, located at 917 Rancheros Drive, San Marcos CA 92069.

Francisco Cid Del Prado, co-owner of Fix Auto San Marcos, has spent more than 32 years in the automotive industry as an employee of multiple shops, and now a business owner for the last decade. One of his first jobs was a DuPontpaint mixer at his father’s paint mixing warehouse.

After many years, Francisco and his wife, Ivonne, co-owner of Fix Auto San Marcos, entered the automotive collision industry. This industry passion and relevant work experience served as a natural

High Demand Halts New Jersey EV Rebate Program

PublishedApril 19, 2023

New Jersey’s state EV rebate program is already running out of funding due to high demand, the Associated Press reported.

The state’s Board of Public Utilities said the Charge Up New Jersey program has handed out $35 million for the fiscal year that ends in July, and enough applications have already been received for the rest of this year’s funds, the program is being paused until the next year begins July 1.

The Charge Up New Jersey program gives state residents $4,000 when