Dealers Auto Auction Group Expands to Midwest with Purchase of Ohio Auction

Written by Auto Remarketing Staff
Published April 19, 2023

The fourth-largest auction group in the country has added the Midwest to its footprint.

Dealers Auto Auction Group has expanded into Ohio with the purchase of OKI Cincinnati Auto Auction, the group announced.

With the acquisition, DAAG now has 11 auctions, 10 of which are in the Southeast.

OKI will be renamed DAA Cincinnati, and Tony Schoenling---whose father, Lee, founded the auction in 2000---will serve as its general manager.

“We are very excited about DAAG entering the Cincinnati/Dayton

Toyota Announces New Certified Collision Center in California

PublishedApril 19, 2023

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) is pleased to announce Alioto’s Garage of San Francisco, CA, is its newest independent Toyota Certified Collision Center (TCCC).

Qualified collision centers can be classified as Toyota-certified only upon meeting specific criteria, including advanced collision repair training and evaluation of the collision center’s operations, including facility, employee certifications and equipment benchmark requirements.

Scott Henderson, TMNA senior manager of collision operations, congratulated Alioto’s Garage of San Francisco, which, through its enrollment in the TCCC

Toyota Announces New Certified Collision Center in Kansas

PublishedApril 19, 2023

Toyota Motor North America, Inc.(TMNA), is proud to announce Lewis Toyotaof Topeka, KS, as its newest Toyota Certified Collision Center (TCCC).

Collision centers can earn certification from Toyota based on meeting extensive criteria including advanced collision training and an evaluation of operations including facility, business practices, employee certifications and equipment benchmark achievements.

“It’s a privilege to have Lewis Toyota earn the prestigious Toyota Collision Certification for their professionalism and ultimate dedication to the safety of our customers,” said Scott Henderson,

EV Charging Station Bill Goes to NH House Floor Without Recommendation

Written by Dave Fidlin, The Center Square
Published April 19, 2023

A bill pertaining to the regulation and operation of electric vehicle charging stations in New Hampshire will go to the House floor without a firm recommendation from the legislative committee reviewing it.

The House Committee on Science, Technology and Energy on April 18 deliberated Senate Bill 52, which proposes modernizing state statutes for electric vehicle infrastructure construction projects and establishes a committee to study funding and other related matters.

The House panel wrangled over several components of the bill---including the merits of establishing

Parkway Auto Group Opens Dealership in Pampa, TX

Written by Caleb Dorn, The Pampa News
PublishedApril 19, 2023

Parkway Auto Group is a Texas-based company that operates a chain of car dealerships across the state. The company was founded in the ‘60s and is a second-generation automotive dealer, and one of the biggest fleets of Chevrolet dealers.

Parkway Auto Group offers a wide range of new and used vehicles from various manufacturers, including Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Jeepand Ram. The company also provides financing options and a full range of automotive services, including maintenance and repair, parts and accessories, and

NJ High School Auto Shop Teacher, Texaco Owner Dies

Written by Caren Lissner, Patch
Published April 19, 2023

A former Columbia High School auto shop teacher who employed students at his Texacorepair shop in South Orange, NJ, has died at 90.

Billy Patrick Holland from Maplewood/South Orange passed away March 22, surrounded by family, his obituary said.

Holland served as a U.S. Army sergeant in Germany, then returned to the MAPSO area, where he began teaching auto mechanics at Columbia High School.

"Many of his former students remained in touch with him over the years, expressing gratitude for the education, life lessons and support they received from him both in and

Man Sentenced for Drug-Trafficking was Laundering Money Through CT Auto Repair Shop

PublishedApril 19, 2023

William "Willy" Valerio-Palermo, 37, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in East Hartford, CT, was sentenced April 13 by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 70 months of imprisonment for trafficking acetylfentanyl, a fentanyl analogue.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut, made the announcement.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, law enforcement received information that Valerio was trafficking kilogram-quantities of fentanyl and was using his Hartford auto

CARSTAR Shanafelt Opens in Texas

PublishedApril 19, 2023

CARSTARannounced the opening of CARSTAR Shanafelt, located at 955 W. Kingsbury St., Seguin, TX 78155.

Eddie Donhauser, owner of CARSTAR Shanafelt, has spent his whole life in the collision repair industry. From an early age, Donhauser was exposed to the industry as his father spent his entire career in the collision repair industry. His father played a large role in influencing Donhauser’s career path, but also his brother’s. Both brothers now own their own collision repair facilities. Family continues to be a primary focus for Donhauser, who runs CARSTAR Shanafelt with his wife, Shannah, and recently helped his

Rove to Build Full-Service EV Charging Centers in Southern California

PublishedApril 19, 2023

Rove, a developer of full-service electric vehicle charging centers, confirms plans to build six locations in Southern California starting in 2023.

Rove will set a new standard in EV charging with a premium, customer-centric experience. Focused on fast, smart and reliable charging, each Rove will host 40 ultra-fast, direct-current fast chargers (DCFC), capable of reaching speeds up to 350 kW---making a full charge possible in as little as 15 minutes.

Unlike other stations, Rove will offer a full-service experience that includes onsite amenities. Centers will feature a market with all-natural and organic

CollisionRight Acquires Repair Shops in Midwest, Mid-Atlantic

PublishedApril 19, 2023

CollisionRight, Inc. on April 18 announced expansion of its operating footprint through the recent acquisition of D’s Paint & Body, consisting of three shops in Peoria, IL; Action Collision, a three-shop operator in Euclid, OH; and Severn Auto Body, consisting of three shops in Annapolis, MD. 

The acquisition of D’s represents entry into the Illinois market, and the acquisitions of Action and Severn add density within CollisionRight’s existing footprint. Terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

Since CollisionRight’s formation in 2020, the company’s network has expanded to

Private Investment Gets Head Start on EV Buildout in PA

Written by Anthony Hennen, The Center Square
Published April 18, 2023

As Pennsylvania awaits federal subsidies worth hundreds of millions to build out charging stations for electric vehicles, private investment takes the lead.

Walmartsaid it will build an “EV fast-charging network" at thousands of locations, including Sam's stores, by 2030. This, as the state divvies up the first installment of more than $172 million in federal infrastructure funding to create a charging corridor across Pennsylvania.

Vishal Kapadia, Walmart's senior vice president of energy transformation, said the company is "uniquely positioned"

Tesla Most Recalled Car Brand; Mercedes, Toyota Least

Written by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs
Published April 18, 2023

According to a recent study by iSeeCars, Teslais the most recalled car brand. In fact, the publication said, the Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X secure four out of the top five spots for most recalled models. Porschealso has four of the most recalled models.

Brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benzand Toyotashow up the least on the list of recalls.

iSeeCars consulted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) list of recalls from 2014 to 2023 to put together its list. The goal was to learn which of today's cars

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction Wraps Up with $1.5 Million Ford GT

PublishedApril 18, 2023

Big sales, exciting moments and enthusiastic bidding made for a great Super Saturday at the 2023 Palm Beach Barrett-Jackson Auction. The last of the more than 600 incredible collector vehicles made their way across the stage April 15, with additional auction world-record sales logged.

The top seller was a 2020 FordGT Heritage Edition with its $1.5 million sale.

The auction arena went wild on a number of occasions---notably when the first retail production VIN 001 2024 ChevroletCorvette E-Ray 3LZ rolled onto the block. The arena was on its feet when the car sold for $1.1 million with 100%

Reuters: Panasonic Considering New EV Battery Plant in Oklahoma

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published April 18, 2023

Panasonicmay build a new battery production facility in the U.S. to help address the increasing demand for electric vehicles.

The new plant could be built in Oklahoma, Panasonic said in a statement to Reuters.

The battery maker has already entered into an agreement with the state, outlining both eligibility and terms of potential incentives the Japanese company could receive as a part of the state’s Large-scale Economic Activity and Development (LEAD) Act. This would give Panasonic access to nearly $700 million in capital investment rebates.

Nothing else

North Carolina Maaco Gifts Free Paint Job to Local VFW Post

PublishedApril 18, 2023

Maacorecently held its first ever “Love Your Car” campaign, in which Maaco owners gifted one lucky customer with a free paint job. Through this “surprise and delight” effort, owners across the country nominated their customers for the chance to receive the gift.

Pete Schwartz, who owns Maaco Greenville, recently completed an estimate for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7032 in Greenville, NC. The post is working to undergo building and grounds renovations, and there is one piece that was in need of a makeover. Maaco Greenville was proud to gift the organization with a freshly painted 1941

Tesla Posts More Cybertruck-Related Jobs Based in Texas

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published April 18, 2023

As Teslaenters Q2 2023, it is preparing to start Cybertruck production. Recently, Tesla posted more Cybertruck jobs based in its Austin, TX, headquarters.

With Easter in the past, Tesla is inching closer to the start of initial production for the Cybertruck, expected to start this summer. Gigafactory Texas has been a bubble of activity since the beginning of the year, starting with the assembly of its 9,000-ton Giga Press for the Cybertruck’s origami-like exoskeleton. 

With preparations underway, Tesla is gathering one other necessary ingredient for Cybertruck

Dan-Am Names New Western Region Manager

PublishedApril 17, 2023

Dan-Am Company, the exclusive independent distributor of SATAproducts in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, is pleased to announce the addition of Erik Bishop to the team as western region manager.

Bishop has 19 years of experience with a great background in our industry, from being a refinish tech to running a refinish/mechanical technical school. More recently, Bishop has worked as a manufacturers’ representative, SATA being one of the lines he represented, as well as training and technical management for a coatings manufacturer.  

“We are very excited to have Erik join our team. His well-rounded background is a

SCC Hosts First of 2 Days of Education and Product Demos in Virginia 

Written by Stacey Phillips, Autobody News
Published April 14, 2023

Members of the collision industry from across the country traveled to the second annual Southeast Collision Conference, which opened April 14 at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, VA. 

The two-day event, hosted by the Carolinas Collision Association (CCA) and the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA), offered attendees a variety of educational sessions, a tradeshow with more than 45

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

Ford Super Duty Roof-Crush Lawsuits Consolidated

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published April 14, 2023

Fordtruck roof class action lawsuits are being consolidated in a Michigan federal court under the case name, In re Ford Super Duty Roof-Crush Litigation.

Class action attorneys began filing Ford truck roof lawsuits following a $1.7 billion jury verdict against Ford in the wrongful deaths of Melvin Hill, 74, and his wife, Voncile Hill, 62.

The deaths occurred in a 2014 Georgia rollover crash of a 2002 Ford F-250 Super Duty truck.

The crash was allegedly caused by a blown tire installed by a Pep Boys service center,

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

Sean Krause Nominated to Executive Committee of ARA

PublishedApril 12, 2023

The Automotive Recyclers Association(ARA) on April 12 announced professional automotive recycler Sean Krause of Speedway Auto, Ltd. in Joliet, IL, has been nominated to join the ARA Executive Committee as secretary for 2023-2024.

Krause is the CEO of Speedway Auto, Ltd., alongside his father, Paul Krause, who established the business in 1969 with his wife, Indra.

“We have been a member of ARA since 1972 and I am honored to join the Executive Committee,” said Krause. “I look forward to giving back and contributing value, but I still have a lot to learn and re-learn.

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