Rivian Can Begin Construction on $5B Manufacturing Plant in Georgia

The plant will be the EV company's second production facility in the U.S., joining its existing one in Normal, IL.

Written by Zachary Visconti, Teslarati
Published Nov. 15, 2023

EV maker Riviangained approval to start construction on a new manufacturing plant outside of Atlanta, GA, state officials announced.

Rivian was granted final approval for the project by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDECD) and the Joint Development Authority (JDA) of Jasper, Morgan, Newton and Walton counties, the agencies announced Nov. 9 via WSB-TV. The approval gives Rivian long-term rights to construct an

Edward McDonald is accused of selling multiple customers vehicles---some with the same VIN---and never delivering.

Canoo Delivers Its First Made-in-Oklahoma EVs to State Government

The company's Lifestyle Deliver Vehicles were delivered to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 15, 2023

Canoo Inc. on Nov. 13 announced it delivered its first EVs made in Oklahoma to the state, a milestone marking the start of Canoo's phased-ramp manufacturing in the state and its shipment of Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle (LDV) models to key customers and partners in 2023, with increasing units in 2024.   

"This

Pennsylvania Collision Repair Center Hosts First Responders for NABC F.R.E.E. Program

First responders learned the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication to rescue accident victims from late-model vehicles.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 14, 2023

More than 60 first responders from the Lancaster, PA, Fire Department and surrounding areas donned their rescue gear on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, for a hands-on demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication, preparing them to provide the best response for car accident

Showgoers could check out new professional car care products and vented paint spray cups.

Meguiar’s and 3Mshowed off new professional car care products and a new set of vented paint spray cups, respectively, at the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV.

Meguiar’s debuted its Beyond Ceramic Paint Coating M888, Pro Speed Polish M200, and So1o™ All-in-One M300, offering professionals world-class results achieved with greater versatility and ease-of-use.

With the debut of Pro Speed Polish and So1o All-in-One, Meguiar’s also unveiled its new Meguiar’s Professional brand, merging its Mirror Glaze and Detailer products with a fresh new look and more durable bottles.

Mike Pennington, senior manager of global training,

Car ADAS Solutions Signs First NY Calibration Center, Largest Licensee

Empire ADAS in Clifton Park, NY, operates out of a 6,800-square-foot facility.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 14, 2023

Car ADAS Solutions announced the addition of Empire ADAS, LLC, a new licensee in Clifton Park, NY. The company’s 6,800-square-foot facility is the largest Car ADAS Solutions licensee in the country.

Michael Trimarchi, operations manager for Empire ADAS, said the company is committed to providing quality service,

Longtime Sun Valley, CA, Body Shop Joins ProColor Collision Network

ProColor Collision Sun Valley is led by an owner with more than 40 years of experience in the industry.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 14, 2023

ProColor Collision continued its growth in California with its newest location in Sun Valley. 

ProColor Collision Sun Valley is owned and operated by Paul Simityan, who has more than 40

Tom Ogaz Installed as Chair of CAWA's 2024 Board of Directors

Ogaz and other key officers were sworn in during the organization's annual dinner gala held as part of Industry Week. 

Written by Autobody News Staff
PublishedNov. 13, 2023

Tom Ogaz, general manager of Parts Authorityin Southern California, was officially installed as the chair of the Board of Directors for the California Automotive Wholesalers' Association (CAWA) during the organization's annual dinner gala held as part of Industry

North Carolina EV Fast-Charger Production Plant Receives Certification

The Finland-based company can now start production at its first facility in North America.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 13, 2023

Kempower, a designer and manufacturer of DC fast-charging solutions for electric vehicles, announced it received Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) certification from Intertek Testing Laboratories, allowing for production to begin at its new production facility in Durham, NC.

“This is a major milestone for our company,

Crash Champions Acquires Queen City Auto Rebuild in Redmond, WA

The national MSO now has 30 locations in Washington State, and more than 600 across the country.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 13, 2023

Crash Champions on Nov. 13 announced continued expansion across the state of Washington with the acquisition of Queen City Auto Rebuild in Redmond, WA.

With more than four decades of experience, Queen City Auto Rebuild has earned a reputation as a leading premium and luxury certified collision repair operator serving the Pacific

Classic Collision Expands to 250 Locations with Colorado Acquisitions

The national MSO bought three collision repair centers in the Denver area.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 13, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, expanded its national footprint with the acquisition of three renowned auto repair centers in Colorado. The expansion marks a significant milestone for the company, reaching its 250th location.

The acquired entities---Vintage Autoworks & Collision in Littleton, Body’s by Brown in Englewood and Northern

Precision Diagnostics Expands to 3 New Markets

The Wisconsin-based company now offers sublet diagnostics and ADAS calibration in 11 states.

Written by Autobody News Staff
PublishedNov. 10, 2023

Madison, WI-based Precision Diagnostics announced its expansion into three new markets: Michigan, Indiana and Kansas City, bringing its total state coverage to 11.

"Expanding into these three new markets presented an opportunity for us to continue to grow into areas that are currently underserved when it comes to needing a quality sublet

The annual awards show, held during SEMA week, recognizes the people and companies stepping up to help move the industry forward.

The annual Collision Industry Red Carpet Awards ceremony was held this year in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the Collision Industry Conference(CIC). The ceremony typically takes place during a morning breakfast at the SEMA Show; however, this year, industry members gathered during an evening event Oct. 31 to celebrate standout achievements and character in the collision repair industry.

Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of SCRS, and Jordan Hendler, CIC administrator, planned CIC’s 40th anniversary-celebration with the assistance of several volunteers,

Classic Collision Adds New Location in Orlando

Brennan Bodyworks has served its area for more than 30 years.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 10, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Nov. 10, the acquisition of Brennan Bodyworksin Orlando, FL.

For more than 30 years, Brennan's has been one of Orlando's trusted premier auto collision centers. The team at Brennan’s has invested in top-of-line equipment and holds several certifications to offer a wide range of vehicle repairs. 

“We have always gone

Schaefer Autobody Golf Tournament Raises Record-Breaking $80,000 for St. Louis Children's Hospital

Scott and Sarah Schaefer host the tournament every year in memory of their late son, David Ian Schaefer.

Written by Autobody News Staff
PublishedNov. 10, 2023

Schaefer Autobody Centers donated $80,000 to St. Louis Children's Hospital, following its annual David Ian Charity Golf Tournament, held Sept. 25. This generous contribution, marking a new record in the tournament's history, will make a significant impact on children and their families at Children's

Retired U.S. Army Veteran Runs CARSTAR Location with Military Precision

Ron Vallario served 23 years in the U.S. Army Special Forces before returning home to the collision repair business his father started.

Written by Autobody News Staff
PublishedNov. 10, 2023

Ron Vallario, owner of CARSTAR Superior Auto Body in Pinellas Park, FL, grew up in a military family and the collision repair family business. It’s that military discipline that has helped drive his success as a longtime CARSTAR owner.

Ron’s father, Rudolph

NABC Recycled Rides Program Presents Vehicle to Purple Heart Recipient

Tampa-area veteran Javier Torres served in the U.S. Army 173rd Airborne from 2004 to 2008.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 10, 2023

On Nov. 7, a Tampa, FL-area veteran and Purple Heart recipient was presented a vehicle thanks to the National Auto Body Council(NABC) Recycled Rides^® program, along with nonprofit Wounded Warrior Project, which nominated the recipient, car donor Hertzand collision repair partner Crash Champions in Longwood, FL, where the presentation was held.

Javier Torres received a 2021 Chevy Tahoe. Torres is a true

The showcase, part of the 2023 SEMA Show, brings together speakers to share their ideas on a variety of topics in a series of short presentations.

Since IDEAS Collide was launched by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) in 2018, as part of the Repairer Driven Education Series, the program has included professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds.

“IDEAS Collide showcases people’s big grand schemes for how this industry can be better, outperform where we are today, think differently about how our businesses look and find ways to implement that,” said Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of SCRS.

During this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, new speakers had an opportunity to share their

New Orleans Man Sentenced for Using Auto Body Shop to Traffic Cocaine

Hakim Shabazz was convicted of hiding shipments of cocaine in gas canisters in his shop before distributing them.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 9, 2023

Hakim Shabazz, 46, of New Orleans, LA, was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to receive and distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced in a news release.

Shabazz was sentenced Nov. 2 by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey, who

Former Oklahoma Dealership Owner Sentenced to Almost 11 Years for Fraud Scheme

Bobby Chris Mayes and two co-defendants were accused of falsifying customers' loan applications and bribing at least one loan officer.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 9, 2023

Bobby Chris Mayes, 51, of Norman, OK, former owner of Big Red Dealerships, was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison for a complex web of wire fraud, conspiracy, issuing forged securities, aggravated identity theft and obstruction of justice., U.S. Attorney

Car ADAS Solutions Announces New Texas Licensee

The team at Smart Vehicle Solutions got help with staff training and finding and permitting the right building to open a calibration business.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 8, 2023

Car ADAS Solutions announced the addition of Smart Vehicle Solutions, a new licensee in Farmers Branch, TX. Established by Tim Pappadopoulos in 2023, the company’s goal is to return every customer vehicle road-ready and safer than the day it was built.

“We constantly remind ourselves

Maine Voters Approve Right to Repair Ballot Question

More than 84% of voters answered "yes" to whether or not independent repairers should have access to in-vehicle telematics.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 8, 2023

A referendum question on Maine’s ballot asking voters if independent repairers should have the same access to vehicle data as dealerships received overwhelming support at the polls Nov. 7.

Question 4 on the ballot asked: Do you want to require vehicle manufacturers to standardize on-board diagnostic systems and provide remote

The new award aims to highlight engineers' impact on the industry and spotlight the relationship between a vehicle's design and engineering.

SEMAannounced the recipient of the inaugural SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award is the '23 Cobra Venom by Scorpion EV.

"Venom" is an electric vehicle conversion car designed to demonstrate the ease with which internal combustion engine vehicles can be converted to electric power. The car showcases Scorpion EV's Venom EV conversion kit, which solves the challenges related to EV conversions by providing the DIY builder with a complete, turnkey solution.

"As a small company with a passion for EVs and one that's pushing the envelope for this rapidly growing sector of

Tesla-Certified Shop Suing 2 Insurers; Ex-Employee Files Lawsuit Against Safelite

One Maryland-based shop has sued State Farm and Allstate alleging customer steering, while Safelite is being sued for insurance fraud.

Written by John Yoswick, Autobody News
Published Nov. 7, 2023

Multiple lawsuits involving various segments of the collision industry are working their way through federal courts.

State Farm has filed a motion to dismiss a tortious interference and defamation lawsuit brought by a Tesla-certified collision repair business

AkzoNobel's expanded presence at this year's show included several cars designed by Dave Kindig, including one he created for comedian Kevin Hart.

AkzoNobelkicked off the first day of the 2023 SEMA Show with Dave Kindig, the company’s spokesperson, unveiling a celebrity vehicle.

Kindig, owner of Kindig-it Design and star of MotorTrend’s “Bitchin’ Rides” series, was challenged to build a vehicle for the comedian and actor Kevin Hart that represented the Batman villain Bane. He unveiled the creation, also named “Bane,” Oct. 31 at one of AkzoNobel’s two booths---a DodgeChallenger painted with Modern Classikk color Black Ice, described by Kindig as “the deepest darkest black you

Shawn Crozat Recognized with 2023 NABC Changing and Saving Lives Award

The CEO of G&C Auto Body is continuing a tradition of giving back to the community started by his father.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 7, 2023

The National Auto Body Council (NABC) announced the winner of the NABC Changing and Saving Lives Award during the SCRSRed Carpet Awards Gala at the 2023 SEMA Show, naming Shawn Crozat, CEO of G&C Auto Body in California, the recipient of the award.

The NABC Changing and

Swickard Auto Group Buys Mercedes-Benz Dealerships in Hawaii

The auto dealership group acquired dealerships in Honolulu and Maui and a service center in Kona.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 7, 2023

Swickard Auto Group entered the Hawaiian market through the acquisition of Mercedes-Benzdealerships in Honolulu and Maui, along with a cutting-edge service center in Kona.

The newly acquired Hawaii locations join Swickard Auto Group's array of high-performing Mercedes-Benz stores, spread across Alaska, California, Oregon, Texas and

Toyota Announces Additional $8 Billion Investment at NC EV Battery Plant

This brings the automaker's total investment to approximately $13.9 billion and job creation to more than 5,000.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 7, 2023

Toyotaon Oct. 31 announced a new investment of nearly $8 billion that will add approximately 3,000 jobs at Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC). This brings total investment to approximately $13.9 billion and job creation to more than 5,000---further supporting Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to global vehicle

Quality Collision Group Acquires 3 NC Collision Centers

Relentless Collision has locations in Raleigh, Cary and Durham.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 6, 2023

Quality Collision Group (QCG) announced the acquisition of three Relentless Collision locations in North Carolina. 

Todd McGowan launched Relentless Collision in 2020 to establish cutting-edge high-tech repair centers in North Carolina. Currently operating from three locations in Raleigh, Cary and Durham, Relentless Collision has a second Raleigh

The scholarship fund partnership with Larsen Motorsports supports education for students in automotive-related fields.

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes and several well-known painters showed their support for young talent entering the collision repair industry by partnering with the Blazing Trails Scholarship Fundat the recent 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV.

Renowned painters donated more than 30 custom art panels for an art sale Sherwin-Williams held at its House of Kolorbooth during the SEMA Show. Panels featured intricate designs from some of the industry’s biggest names.

All proceeds from the art panel sales went to the Blazing Trails Scholarship Fund, managed by Larsen Motorsports (LMS) and Blazing