The BendPak, Ranger, Cool Boss, QuickJack, JackPak, Autostacker, MaxJax and Ergochair brands will be represented.

Leading equipment manufacturer BendPak, Inc., is doubling down on its 2023 SEMA Show investment, Oct. 31-Nov. 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, bringing new car lifts, evaporative coolers, EV lifts, boat lifts, wheel service equipment and more to four dedicated booths at the annual automotive trade show.

The company’s many automotive brands will be represented, including BendPak^®, Ranger^®, Autostacker^®, Cool Boss^®, QuickJack^®, MaxJax^®, Ergochair and JackPak^®.

BendPak also will have

The Colorado-based auto glass center has three locations in Cortez, Pagosa Springs and Durango.

Safelite Group, owner of Safelite AutoGlass, announced in a news release Oct. 4 it acquired Colorado-based Sun Auto Glass in a transaction completed Sept. 29.

“It’s an exciting time in our business as we continue to expand our reach and provide the quality service our customers expect,” said Safelite President and CEO Renee Cacchillo. “We look forward to leveraging the skills our new team members bring and making them feel right at home.”

Sun Auto Glass, with locations in Cortez, Pagosa Springs and Durango, CO, will leverage Safelite’s operational systems, ADAS recalibration expertise, distribution network, global

This year's sponsorship initiative is aimed at attracting, retaining and advancing women in the collision repair industry.

“Sponsoring WIN really means our supporting organizations are taking an active role in developing the talent pool for our entire collision repair industry,” said Jessica Rob, sponsorship chair for WIN and distribution program manager at AkzoNobel Coatings Inc. “We appreciate and thank all our sponsors for their commitment to women in the industry through continued financial, leadership and resource support since our inception.” 

The organization, which provides networking and connection opportunities for women in the male-dominated collision industry, announced this year’s sponsorship campaign is vital to the

Classic Collision Acquires 3 Locations in North Carolina

CarSmart Collision Repair serves customers in Chapel Hill, Pittsboro and Burlington.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 6, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced in an Oct. 6 news release three new closings, the acquisition of CarSmart Collision Repair in North Carolina.

For more than 30 years, CarSmart has served the community with second-to-none auto body repair centers in Chapel Hill, Pittsboro and Burlington.

“There are fewer repair centers that still share our commitment to customer service and guarantee satisfactory results to every person who walks through our doors; I trust that

Tesla Owners' Lawsuit Shifted to Arbitration in Recent California Ruling

Four Tesla owners wanted to bring a class action lawsuit, but a judge ruled they agreed to arbitrate any legal claims when they purchased cars on the brand's website.

Written by Suvrat Kothari, InsideEVs
Published Oct. 3, 2023

A California judge has diverted a class action lawsuit brought by a group of Teslaowners to individual arbitration. The Austin-based automaker is the subject of several ongoing trials and investigations over the Autopilot driver assistance feature, but this particular case will no longer be handled by the court.

U.S. District Judge Haywood Gilliam in Oakland,

State Farm Asks for Steering Lawsuit in Maryland to Be Dismissed

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 3, 2023

On Sept. 27, State Farm filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit brought against it earlier this year by Total Recon Auto Center in Rockville, MD, which claims the auto insurance giant is steering Teslacustomers away by intentionally giving its insureds false information.

A report from GlassBytes.com said in the lawsuit filed in mid-August in a U.S. District Court in Maryland, Total Recon claimed State Farm initially agrees to pay the auto body shop’s Tesla labor rate of $50 an hour, but then “steers” away its customer so they don’t have to pay out of pocket the

CAWA Members Convene at U.S. Capitol to Promote Right to Repair Legislation

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 3, 2023

CAWAwas in full force at the Auto Care Association Fall Leadership Days and Legislative Summit, Sept. 20-23 in Washington, D.C., as members were ready to take action to advocate for the federal REPAIR Act, aimed at guaranteeing consumers' right to get their vehicle fixed by the repairer of their choice.

CAWA members attended educational sessions and legislative briefings as well as receptions on Capitol Hill, where they mingled with members of Congress and their staff. The culmination of the summit was a full court press on Capitol Hill.

Summit

BASFis supporting the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Repairer Driven Education at the 2023 SEMA Show by delivering four world-class sessions that speak to the heart of the issues facing today’s collision repair businesses.

BASF is proud to be one SCRS’s well-known industry experts to re-energize your business with implementable solutions. Here’s a sample of what’s ahead:

The Influence the Refinishing Process Plays in Evolving Technology
9:30-11 a.m. Oct. 31

The automotive collision industry is undergoing a rapid technological change. By 2025, 30% of the vehicles in use will be connected, and the percentage is expected to soar. More than 50% of registered vehicles include ADAS features today,

Joe Hudson’s Collision Center Acquires 4 Stores in Arkansas

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 2, 2023

Joe Hudson’s Collision Center announced in a news release four new closings in September, with the acquisition of Steve’s Auto Body in Arkansas.

With locations in Jonesboro, Marion, Paragould and Searcy, Steve's Auto Body is one of the largest independently owned collision repair groups in Northeast Arkansas. The team at Steve’s Auto Body prides itself on building relationships with each customer and taking exceptional care of their collision repair needs. 

"We chose Joe Hudson's Collision Center because they operated similarly to the way that we operated," said

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) announced the topic of the second of three sessions in its OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, taking place Nov. 2 in the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the 2023 SEMA Show.

Join the collision industry from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. for Session II: North American Automotive Material Outlook and Implications to Collision Repair. The session will be led by Abey Abraham, principal or automotive and materials, and Bertrand Rakoto, director of strategic intelligence, both with Ducker Carlisle.

The Ducker Carlisle team will outline research on the expected metallic and non-metallic material strategies that collision repair facilities will

Toyota Airbag Control Unit Settlement Reached

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published Oct. 2, 2023

A Toyotaairbag control unit settlement has been reached between the automaker and 11 vehicle owners who allege their airbag control units are defective.

None of the plaintiffs claim their control units, seat belts or airbags failed.

The Toyota airbag control unit settlement arises from a huge consolidated class action which includes Kia, Hyundai, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota, Hondaand Mitsubishi.

Toyota decided to settle the lawsuit to put the matter behind it because the case could drag on for years.

"Toyota has

U.S. Auto Insurer Claim Payouts Soar Due to Increasing Inflation

Written by Autobody News Staff
PublishedSept. 29, 2023

U.S. personal and commercial auto insurer liability claim payouts combined were $96 billion to $105 billion higher between 2013 and 2022 because of social and economic inflation, according to a news release from the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

“For personal auto liability insurance, increasing inflation drove loss and DCC (defense containment costs) higher by $61 billion,” according to Triple-I's study, Impact of Increasing Inflation on Personal and Commercial Auto Liability Insurance. “For the same period (2013-2022), increasing inflation drove

The SEMAFutureTech Studio, a new exhibit at the 2023 SEMA Show, will give attendees at the world's leading automotive trade show an opportunity to learn about what the future of vehicle propulsion may look like, SEMA announced Sept. 27.

Located in Central Hall, the SEMA FutureTech Studio will be part of the new EV & Future Propulsion section that evolved from the popular SEMA Electrified exhibit at recent shows.

"The automotive aftermarket has always been at the forefront of vehicle innovation and technology, and this new section will help showcase how our industry is leading the way in the creation of new engine and fuel options," said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. "The FutureTech Studio is a visionary space designed

ProColor Collision Santa Ana Opens in California

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 28, 2023

ProColor Collision Santa Ana, formerly known as S&C Auto Body Shop, recently opened at 1020 N. Harbor Blvd. in Santa Ana, CA.

Owners William and Ranya Mudawarjoined ProColor Collision to continue the growth plan for their family-owned auto shop business that has served southern California for 35 years. Theirs is a full-service collision repair facility performing superior quality repairs for personal and commercial vehicles in the Santa Ana area.

ProColor Collision Santa Ana showcases the Mudawars' dedication to providing exceptional

Owners of 3.3M Kia, Hyundai Vehicles Told to Park Outside Due to Fire Risk

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 27, 2023

Hyundai Motor America and Kia America have issued “park outside” recalls for more than 3.3 million vehicles due to the risk of fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Sept. 27.

The vehicles' anti-lock brake system module could leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short. An electrical short could result in significant overcurrent in the ABS module, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving or parked.

Hyundai plans to notify owners to bring their vehicles to the nearest dealership to replace the

U.S. House Subcommittee Hears Comments on REPAIR Act

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 27, 2023

A U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee included the REPAIR Act in a Sept. 27 hearing on more than a dozen bills proposed to enhance product safety and transparency for Americans.

The bipartisan REPAIR Act, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, R-FL, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee, aims to ensure vehicle owners can access repair data and tools needed to repair their vehicles.

Dunn emphasized during the hearing that when consumers buy a vehicle, they should own that vehicle, including the right to have it repaired: "When I buy a product, a house,

Kia Soul EV Parking Brake Recall May Need to Be Expanded

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published Sept. 26, 2023

A KiaSoul EV parking brake recall issued in July 2020 is under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Kia Soul EV parking brake recall involved 2015-2016 Soul electric vehicles, but the NHTSA recall query covers 2015-2019 Kia Soul electric vehicles after owners of 2017-2018 vehicles complained the vehicles moved while in PARK.

The July 2020 Kia Soul EV recall was issued based on defects in the parking mechanisms that allowed the vehicles to roll away even if shifted into PARK. Engaging the parking brake could prevent the Soul

U.S. House Passes Bill to Prevent Internal Combustion Engine Bans

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 26, 2023

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, prohibiting the EPA from issuing a waiver to California for regulations that would ban the sale of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE) in the state by 2035, SEMAsaid in a news release Sept. 21.

The SEMA-supported legislation was introduced by U.S. Rep. John Joyce, R-PA, and passed with bipartisan support---222 to 190, with eight Democrats joining their Republican colleagues.

U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-OK, co-chair of the

Ewald Automotive Group Acquires 2 Dealerships in Wisconsin

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 25, 2023

The Ewald Automotive Group has acquired the Volkswagen, Buick and GMCfranchises located on Main Street in Menomonee Falls, WI, it announced in a news release. 

The dealerships will offer the sale of new Volkswagen, Buick and GMC vehicles, as well as certified used cars, trucks and SUVs. There also will be large automobile and truck service repair centers on site, staffed with experienced personnel.

"We are extremely excited to add these brands to our product portfolio in an effort to better serve our customers," said

Warren Henry Auto Group, a dealership group in Florida, announced in a news release the expansion of Keys Auto Center (KAC) with the acquisition of Niles Sales and Service, broadening KAC's product range to include five more brands: Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Nissanand Cadillac. In total, KAC will offer 13 brands to residents in the Lower Keys.

"I've been impressed by Jack Niles and his operation for a long time," said Larry Zinn, executive general manager of Warren Henry Auto Group. "It's an honor to merge this respected dealership with KAC and welcome Jack's clients and friends to the Warren Henry Family."

For now, the former Niles Sales and Service dealership, at 3500 N Roosevelt

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced a special new award that will recognize a featured vehicle at the 2023 SEMA Show that showcases exceptional engineering. The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award will honor and celebrate a build that demonstrates quality engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance.

The award aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty equipment industry and places a spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between a vehicle's design and engineering.

“While vehicle aesthetics have always played a crucial role in the automotive aftermarket, this award recognizes

Valley Collision–Mesa in Arizona Joins 1Collision

PublishedSept. 19, 2023

1Collisionis excited to announce the addition of Valley Collision–Mesa in Arizona to the nationwide network. 

Established in January, the family owned and operated business was founded by Dennis Kennealy, who has 30 years of industry experience, and Ryan Cochran, who has a background in commercial real estate development. Kennealy said Cochran’s background will be vital as Valley Collision looks to expand its footprint in the metro Phoenix area and beyond.

"Dennis is an industry veteran and has a wealth of knowledge he can bring to our network," said John

Classic Collision Enters Virginia

Published Sept. 15, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced six new closings Sept. 15---the acquisition of Elite Auto Body Group in Virginia.

Elite Auto Body is one of the largest independently owned groups in the Tidewater area, where customers have been their most important asset. The Elite team has taken pride in building a relationship with each customer and taking exceptional care of their needs.

“We are not just here to fix the vehicle. We want to make this experience as positive as possible and are excited to be the first group to become Classic Collision in the state of Virginia,” said Chris Bucci, former owner of Elite Auto

The Midwest Auto Care Alliance (MWACA) is pleased to announce the installation of its new executive board members during its Fall Leadership Summit held Sept. 8-10 in Lake of the Ozarks, MO.

The new board consists of industry veterans and its leadership is poised to guide MWACA into a bright future.

Newly Elected Officers

• President Summer Guerrero, Affinity Automotive Services, Wichita, KS
• Vice President Travis Troy, Honest Wrenches Automotive Repair, Des Moines, IA
• Treasurer James Copeland, Midwest Autoworx, Columbia, MO
• Secretary Kim Auernheimer, CS

EPA Spares Collision Repairers from Reporting Requirements in Proposed Regulation

PublishedSept. 15, 2023

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) excluded collision repair facilities from its proposal to increase required reporting under a revised Air Emissions Reporting Requirements (AERR) regulation. 

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) applauded the move. Without the exclusion, ASA said, the rule would inflict considerable economic costs upon many small businesses while providing the government data of negligible value.

The Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel, convened by the EPA to assist in developing the proposal, selected ASA to serve as a Small Entity

CAA Watching Several CA Bills as Legislature Returns

PublishedSept. 13, 2023

The California Legislature has returned from summer recess and the California Autobody Association (CAA) anticipates a surge of legislative activity in the coming weeks. CAA has been following these legislative bills, and will continue to monitor and report.

Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR)

AB 1263: The bill, among other things, would maintain the continuation of the BAR Advisory Committee; require employees, such as service writers, who are involved in a BAR violation to attend remedial training; require a salvage rebuilder selling a revived salvage vehicle to provide a consumer with a

Florida’s Strained Insurance Industry Pulled on Again

Written by Andrew Powell, The Center Square
Published Sept. 12, 2023

Idalia's cost will be in billions and will put additional strain on Florida's insurance industry.

The Category 3 storm---winds of 111-129 mph on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale---made landfall Aug. 30 near Keaton Beach in the Big Bend region of the Gulf Coast, one of the largest to hit the area in a century. Trees and powerlines were downed amid a 7-foot storm surge that flooded homes close to the coast.

A report from Moody’s Analytics released Sept. 6 stated in total, private insured losses are between $3 billion and $5 billion, while the National Flood

OpenRoad Collision, Bill Knight Collision Announce Strategic Partnership in Oklahoma

PublishedSept. 12, 2023

OpenRoad Collision is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Bill Knight Collision, a six-location MSO with locations in Tulsa and Stillwater, OK. 

Combined, the OpenRoad Collision family of brands now owns and operates collision repair centers across Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. The addition of Bill Knight Collision not only expands OpenRoad Collision's geographic footprint, but also brings together two organizations known for quality repairs, excellent technician training and shop culture.

"Partnering with OpenRoad Collision was the logical next step as we seek to

Massachusetts Judge Says Prepaid Vehicle Maintenance Plans Not Subject to State Dealer Statute

Written by Dallin Wilson, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Published Sept. 12, 2023

A Massachusetts federal court judge has ruled an OEM-branded prepaid vehicle maintenance plan sold and administered by a third-party to auto dealers is not subject to the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Dealer Act, and therefore dealers are not entitled to receive retail labor rates for work performed under the plan. 

In Colony Place South, Inc. v. Volvo Car USA LLC, two Massachusetts Volvo dealers alleged Volvo, its captive finance company (Volvo Financial), and a third-party administrator (FWS) violated the

Classic Collision Adds 2 New Locations in Houston

PublishedSept. 8, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Sept. 8---the acquisition of Meyerland Collision Centers in Houston, TX. 

Meyerland Collision Centers has been family-owned and proudly serving the Houston Meyerland area for more than 15 years. The Meyerland team, equipment and facilities all demonstrate their commitment to providing the best available customer service and quality care possible. 

“Our belief has been that your vehicle deserves the best care possible and feel confident that Classic Collision will take that same approach,” said Adam Abutair, former owner of Meyerland Collision