Collision Repairers Asked for Input on Annual Insurer Report Card

Auto body shops can grade auto insurance companies in their state on how well their claims practices help ensure quality repairs.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 6, 2023

Collision repair professionals once again have a unique opportunity to grade the performance of the auto insurance companies in their state, with the launch of the annual CRASH NetworkInsurer Report Card.

“Shops interact with insurance companies every day, so they are well aware that not all those

More Technicians Needed in PA to Fix Broken EV Charging Stations

SAE International is developing a certification program for charging station maintenance, which should be available by the end of this year.

Written by Lauren Jessop, The Center Square
Published Nov. 3, 2023

Pennsylvania’s share of broken EV charging stations, although small, points to a much bigger problem: there aren’t enough certified technicians to fix them.

There are currently just under 63,000 DC Fast and Level 2 public charging stations with more than 161,000 charging ports across the country. According to data provided by the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation’s website, approximately 7,900 ports at 4,200

Mitsubishi Ordered to Pay PA Man $977M for Injuries Caused by Defective Seatbelt

The 2017 rollover accident left Francis Amagasu, 58, a quadriplegic.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 3, 2023

A jury in Philadephia, PA, decided Oct. 30 that Mitsubishi Motors North America must pay a Pennsylvania man $977 million for damages after he was left permanently and severely injured when his seatbelt failed in a rollover accident.

Francis Amagasu, 58, and his wife were awarded $177 million in compensatory damages and $800 million in

Pennsylvania May Strengthen Distracted Driving Laws

State Sen. Rosemary Brown has introduced a bill that would prohibit the use of handheld devices while operating a vehicle.

Written by Lauren Jessop, The Center Square
Published Nov. 3, 2023

A recent report said Pennsylvania's distracted driving laws lag behind other states when it comes to preventing crashes.

And, there's at least one proposal on the table that could improve that ranking and make roads safer.

WhistleOut compared distracted driving laws by state and awarded the commonwealth a grade of “D” because it has only one of the three laws they use as criteria---bans on using handheld devices, young drivers using

Enthusiasts came out for another full day of exploring more than 1 million square feet of exhibits, demonstrations and educational opportunities. 

The third day of the 2023 SEMA Show brought another full day to explore more than 1 million square feet of exhibits, demonstrations and educational opportunities in and around the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Show concludes Nov. 3.

See our Day 1 recap here and Day 2 here.

OEM Collision Repair

Toyota Recalls 2.1 Million RAV4s to Prevent Fires

A replacement 12-volt battery can move around while driving, possibly allowing a terminal to touch a clamp holding it down.

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

A 2013-2018 ToyotaRAV4 recall involves about 2.1 million vehicles, with more than 1.8 million recalled in the U.S. and 249,416 recalled in Canada.

Toyota said replacement 12-volt batteries are specified to fit the RAV4 SUVs, but these batteries are smaller at the top. This can cause a problem when clamping down the battery if it isn't tightened properly.

The RAV4 battery could move around when driving, especially on turns. In addition, the

Tesla Found Not Responsible for Fatal Autopilot Crash

The landmark case was the first one brought against the automaker for a crash that caused a death.

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Nov. 2, 2023

Teslawas victorious in the first-ever U.S. trial that claimed its Autopilot system was responsible for a death in a crash that occurred in 2019.

On Oct. 31, a California state jury ruled there was no manufacturing defect in Tesla’s Autopilot suite, which cleared the automaker’s driver assistance feature of any wrongdoing.

In 2019, Micah Lee’s Tesla Model 3 suddenly veered off the highway in Los Angeles, CA. The vehicle then struck a palm tree and burst

The companies were winners in the collision repair and refinish and ADAS product categories, respectively.

Hunter Engineering and Goliath Carts started off the 2023 SEMA Show with a bang, both being named winners of Best New Product awards, presented at the Kick-Off Breakfast before the show opened Oct. 31.

Goliath Carts took top honors in the collision repair and refinish category for its destructive test weld stand, while Hunter won the ADAS Product category for its Ultimate ADAS.

Collision Repair & Refinish Winner

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The Axalta Irus Mix automates the paint-mixing process, saving body shops money in time, labor and materials.

Axalta Coating Systems announced its latest innovation, the Axalta Irus Mix, the first and only fully automated paint-mixing machine. This new technology completes the simple three-step Axalta Irus color management process of Scan, Match and now, Mix.

Axalta demonstrated the new machine at an event it hosted Oct. 30 at Celebrity Cars in Las Vegas, NV, showing how a painter can use the complete Irus system to scan a vehicle panel and have the right amount of matching paint ready to go in less than five minutes.

Initially launched in Europe earlier this year, the Irus Mix will be available in North America around the middle of 2024.

CA-Based Insurance Company to Pay $1.1M to Settle Delayed Claims Investigations

Alliance United Insurance faced a civil suit in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, alleging it frequently failed to respond promptly to claims.

Written by Autobody News Staff
PublishedNov. 2, 2023

Alliance United Insurance, a Los Angeles-based auto and casualty insurance provider, agreed to a $1.1 million settlement following allegations of inadequate and delayed investigations into auto accident claims, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón

Jon Delgado, chief technology officer of Repairify, was honored at the Industry Awards Banquet on the last night of the SEMA Show.

SEMAannounced Jon Delgado, chief technology officer of Repairify, as its 2023 Gen-III Innovator of the Year, an award that honors an entrepreneurial individual aged 40 years or younger creating new innovative breakthroughs within the areas of automotive aftermarket opportunities, advancement, best business practices, technology or trends.

Delgado was recognized, alongside the SEMA Person of the Year and Content Creator of the Year, at the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet on Nov. 2 at the Paradise Event Center at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. 

Delgado led

NABC Recycled Rides Donates Vehicle to Florida Nonprofit

The Divine Flight Foundation will use the 2021 Hyundai Tucson in its mission to support families across the state.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 2, 2023

On Nov. 1, a fully restored vehicle was donated to the Divine Flight Foundation, a community organization that promotes access to holistic educational opportunities for families across Florida.

The ceremonial giveaway was part of the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides program, and took place at Crash

NABC Recycled Rides Program Donates Vehicles to 2 Oklahoma City Veterans

The gifts will give the veterans the freedom to travel to work, doctor appointments and elsewhere on their own schedules.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 2, 2023

On Oct. 16, two deserving Oklahoma City, OK-area veterans were presented vehicles to provide them independence and the ability to work, thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program, along with GEICO, which donated the vehicles, and collision repair partners Gerber Collision & Glass in Norman and Oklahoma City. The presentation was held at Gerber's Oklahoma City location.

Nonprofit

The automotive aftermarket industry's annual gathering offered another full day of eye-popping builds, innovative products and educational sessions.

The 2023 SEMA Show offered plenty more to see and do its second day, Nov. 1, including informative sessions to help collision repair professionals grow their businesses and a moving donation of refurbished vehicles to local residents chosen by nonprofits.

Missed our Day 1 recap and photo gallery? See it here.

Red Carpet Awards and CIC 40th Anniversary Gala

Classic Collision Acquires Collision Craft in Memphis, TN

Classic Collision Acquires Collision Craft in Memphis, TN

The move marks the nationwide operator's first foray into the Memphis market.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 1, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, headquartered in Atlanta, announced its expansion into the Memphis, TN, market with the acquisition of Collision Craft, a multi-site operator with a legacy spanning more than four decades. 

"We have strived to be the auto repair facility people turn to for all their automotive needs in Shelby County, and know handing over the

...

The first day of the show featured New Product Award winners, custom build reveals and the quarterly CIC meeting.

The 2023 SEMA Show officially opened Oct. 31 at the Las Vegas Convention Center with the first of four days of product demonstrations, exhibits and educational opportunities for the automotive aftermarket industry, including collision repair. 

The industry-only Show runs through Nov. 3, followed immediately by the inaugural SEMA Fest, Nov. 3-4, which invites the public to enjoy two days of music acts and immersive experiences at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds.

SEMA Kick-Off Breakfast

Before the doors opened on the Show, attendees were invited to the Kick-Off Breakfast, where the New Product Award

Crash Champions Opens New Tampa, FL-Area Repair Center

The national collision repair operator now has 52 locations in the Sunshine State.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 31, 2023

Crash Champions announced the opening of a new high-quality collision repair center serving customers in the greater Tampa, FL, area. The 21,000-square-foot repair center at 3107 E. State Road in Valrico officially opened to customers Oct. 23.

“This state-of-the-art repair center is another proud step forward in our mission to provide Florida residents and the Tampa area with high-quality, trusted repair service,” said Matt Ebert, Crash Champions founder and CEO. “We look forward

Crash Champions Expands into Alabama with Acquisition of 3-Location MSO

Auto Craft Collision Centers has three repair facilities in Baldwin County.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 31, 2023

Crash Champions announced its acquisition of Auto Craft Collision Centers, a regional multi-shop operator based in Alabama. The deal, which officially closed Oct. 27, signals Crash Champions' entrance into the state.

With this acquisition, the company added three established collision centers to its portfolio, in Daphne, Fairhope and Gulf

J & R Auto Body and Paint Unveils New State-of-the-Art Repair Shop in Vista, CA

The new 13,000-square-foot space will allow the 16-year business to continue offering top-tier service and support in North County San Diego.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 27, 2023

J & R Auto Body and Paint, Inc., a family-owned and locally operated collision repair center, is excited to announce its recent relocation to a larger and more advanced facility at 2509 S. Santa Fe Ave. in Vista. This move is a testament to their commitment to providing top-tier

Oklahoma Auto Shop Disappears as Man Waits 19 Months for Truck to Be Fixed

The shop owner said the collision repair job was bigger than he anticipated, but has not returned the truck to its owner.

Written by Taylor Mitchell, KFOR News
Published Oct. 27, 2023

An auto shop in Jones, OK, has seemingly disappeared after an Oklahoma City man said he dropped his car off there more than a year and a half ago to get it repaired.

Micah Jones was told it would take 90 days to fix his truck, but he still doesn’t have it.

Jones said he dropped off his truck at Jones Auto on Hiwassee and E. Britton roads in March 2022. He said he has been given the runaround for the

GM Delays Opening of Ultium Cells Plant in Tennessee

The plant, which will produce cells for longer-lasting, more affordable EVs, was originally set to open by the end of this year.

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Oct. 27, 2023

General Motors has delayed the opening of its Ultium Cells production plant in Spring Hill, TN, originally scheduled before the end of 2023, due to construction delays, the automaker said in its Q3 earnings call in late October.

GM’s Ultium project will enable a new platform of EVs for the legacy automaker, bringing a software-based offensive to one of the U.S.’s best-selling car companies and a major player in the EV sector. The company has

CARSTAR Veteran Marks 20 Years of Commitment to Quality Collision Repair

Tom Martin bought his first CARSTAR location in Ohio from a friend, and now owns three.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 27, 2023

Tom Martin, owner of Sidney Body CARSTAR, Troy CARSTAR and Piqua CARSTAR in Ohio, recently marked his 20th year as a CARSTAR franchisee. With two decades of experience under his belt, Martin reflected on his journey and shared valuable insights from his long-standing commitment to the collision repair

Average Length of Repair Soars to 23.1 Days, But Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Rises

A recent survey indicates showing concern for customers' situation at the beginning of the repair process and keeping them informed go a long way.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 26, 2023

In 2023, the average time for auto repairs has reached a staggering 23.1 days, a significant increase of 6.2 days from the previous year and more than double the duration in 2021, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction

Alleged Denver Auto Theft Ring Indicted on 121 Counts

A group of 13 people stole 59 vehicles between February 2022 and March 2023, many from lots at Denver International Airport.

Written by Chris Woodward, The Center Square
Published Oct. 25, 2023

A group of 13 people who allegedly stole 59 vehicles in the Denver, CO, metro area have been indicted on 121 counts.

The indictment from a 17th Judicial District grand jury stem from a investigation by the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority's Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force and other law enforcement agencies, including Colorado State Patrol. Authorities say the auto thefts and burglaries happened at Denver International Airport

Ian Musselman Appointed to CAWA Board of Directors

Musselman serves as senior vice president of government affairs for LKQ Corporation.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 25, 2023

Ian Musselman of LKQ Corporation has been appointed to CAWA’s Board of Directors.

“I am pleased to announce that Ian is joining the CAWA Board of Directors," said Young Suhr Jr., chair of the board. "He is a welcomed addition to our leadership with his experience and government affairs acumen. I look forward to Ian’s

CAWA, TechForce Foundation to Collaborate to Recruit New Technicians

The nonprofits will work together to promote the profession with young people and connect the industry with students and school programs.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 25, 2023

CAWAand the TechForce Foundation have formed a strategic alliance to address the growth and support of America’s skilled technician workforce. The two nonprofit organizations will collaborate and share resources to promote the technician profession with young people, connect industry volunteers

Hyundai Releases Design Renderings of EV Plant in Georgia

A groundbreaking for the facility, known as the Metaplant, was held one year ago.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 25, 2023

Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) on Oct. 25 celebrated the one-year anniversary of its groundbreaking in Bryan County by officially releasing the latest design renderings of the electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facility, also known as the Metaplant, as well as by sharing additional updates and employment statistics.

"The site

The Edge Paint Booth delivers advanced controls; precise, adjustable lighting; and premium contamination control to consistently produce excellent paint finishes and improved throughput. 

Global Finishing Solutions (GFS) introduced the Edge Paint Booth, which provides industry-leading features with an updated, modern design, while being backed by a manufacturer with decades of experience in the automotive refinish industry. 

Masterfully designed for today’s collision repair centers and paint shops, the Edge Paint Booth delivers advanced controls; precise, adjustable lighting; and premium contamination control to consistently produce excellent paint finishes and improved throughput. 

Featuring flush, dual-skin panel construction

Improved accuracy in estimating and repair planning, coupled with a significant reduction in calibration research time, lets technicians focus on providing top-tier service.

Opus IVS™ introduced its latest cutting-edge product, ADAS Map, a comprehensive software platform designed to identify ADAS systems, their components, precise component locations, necessary calibrations and the underlying reasons for these calibrations. 

This state-of-the-art technology automatically reviews CCCor Mitchellestimates and provides a detailed presentation of a specific vehicle's ADAS requirements. Seamlessly integrated with CCC, Mitchell, Opus IVS DriveSafe and the Opus IVS CoPilot platforms, ADAS Map streamlines the entire calibration process

The provider of ADAS calibration technology and services is participating in three presentations, as well as hosting two booths in the Upper South Hall.

Car ADAS Solutions announced its participation in this year’s SEMA Show, taking place Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in Las Vegas, NV. In addition to hosting booth #33245 and taking part in the SEMA Garage, booth #36007, the company will participate in three presentations.

“As a trusted name in the calibration space, Car ADAS Solutions is set to make a significant impact at this year’s SEMA Show,” said Greg Peeters, CEO of Car ADAS Solutions. “In addition to our dynamic booths showcasing the latest innovations in calibration, we will be participating in three engaging