Former Nikola CEO Ordered to Pay $165M in Damages

An arbitration panel determined Trevor Milton owes his former company for costs and damages it incurred due to his controversial actions.

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published Oct. 25, 2023

A regulatory filing from Nikolarevealed former CEO and founder Trevor Milton has been ordered to pay the company about $165 million in damages. The update appears to have been appreciated by investors, as NKLA stock ended the day up 8.9%.
 
Nikola said an arbitration panel in New York determined Oct. 20 the company was due the funds for costs and damages it incurred due to its previous CEO’s controversial

White House Holds Round Table Discussion on Right to Repair Efforts

Hosted by the National Economic Council, the event focused on how OEMs’ increasing use of repair restrictions, like patent abuse, hurt small businesses and consumers alike.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 25, 2023

State legislative leaders and industry representatives from around the U.S. convened at the White

Daughter Plans to Carry On Family’s Shop After Dad's Retirement

Jerry Kottschade retired Oct. 15---52 years after opening what would become Jerry’s Abra Auto Body & Glass---but daughter Laura is ready to step up.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 24, 2023

Jerry’s Abra Auto Body & Glass was started Oct. 15, 1971, by Jerryand Geralynn "Geri" Kottschade. They purchased a bankrupt Ben’s Bee Line and set up business in a Carriage Repair Shop on Rock Street in Mankato, MN. Then, 16 years

Supreme Court Won't Hear Minnesota 'Clean Car' Challenge

Minnesota Auto Dealers Association President Scott Lambert said the group is “disappointed” about the ruling that will raise consumer prices.

Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square
Published Oct. 24, 2023

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an auto group's challenge of Minnesota adopting "clean car rules" that will require automakers to introduce more low-emission vehicles.

Minnesota will be the first Midwest state to enact strict tailpipe emissions and require automakers to offer more electric and hybrid vehicles, taking effect with the 2025 model year.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld the standard adopted by the

Change in Data Collection Impacts Washington’s 39% Uptick in Vehicle Theft

The Seattle Police Department said its data team found one minor detail in the FBI's method that could have changed crime trends for the city and state.

Written by Spencer Pauley, The Center Square
Published Oct. 24, 2023

Recent FBI statistics show Washington is the state with the second highest rate of car thefts in 2022, but that data may be skewed by a change in the agency's data collection.

Earlier in October, the FBI released its 2022 crime data that revealed Washington saw a 39% increase in motor vehicle thefts in 2022. Washington went from 460.1 motor vehicle thefts per 100,000 people in 2021 to a rate of

Chicagoland-Area CARSTAR Owner Achieves Two Decades of Service

CARSTAR Scola's has been serving its community for more than 40 years, the last 20 as part of the CARSTAR network.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 24, 2023

A reputation is not given, it is earned through results delivered and connections made. In the case of one body shop owner from the Chicagoland area, reputation is earned through quality-driven repairs and delicious team barbecues.

Luigi “Lou” Scola of CARSTAR Scola’s recently celebrated his 20th

California Suspends Cruise’s Driverless Testing Permit

GM's self-driving subsidiary received permission to operate its "robotaxis" in San Francisco in August, but has since been the subject of complaints.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 24, 2023

The California Department of Motor Vehicles on Oct. 24 announced the immediate suspension of the deployment and driverless testing permit of GM’s self-driving subsidiary, Cruise LLC, due to an “unreasonable risk to public safety.”

The DMV said it will not reinstate Cruise’s permit until

Auto Cruising Legal in CA Starting Jan. 1

Local authorities will no longer be allowed to regulate or ban cruising.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 24, 2023

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 436 into law to allow automobile cruising activities to return statewide as of Jan. 1, 2024. Previously, local authorities could pass ordinances that regulated or prohibited cruising. 

Authored by Assembly Member David Alvarez (D-San Diego), the SEMA-supported effort followed a resolution approved

Hyundai, Hyundai of North Charleston Donate $20,000 to Lowcountry Food Bank

The donation will help provide 120,000 meals for residents of the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 24, 2023

Hyundai Motor America and Hyundai of North Charleston recently donated $20,000 to the Lowcountry Food Bank of North Charleston in South Carolina to support local hunger relief initiatives in the area. 

The donation is part of Hyundai's corporate social responsibility initiative, Hyundai Hope, which seeks to improve the well-being of society through supporting the health and safety of the

Classic Collision Opens New State-of-Art Repair Center in Texas

The upgraded spacious 30,000-square-foot, climate-controlled building is in Magnolia's "New Mag" district. 

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 23, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new location opening Oct. 23, a newly renovated facility in Magnolia, TX.

Classic Collision 1488 South is conveniently located in Magnolia's “New Mag” district. This upcoming area is an excellent location for the upgraded spacious 30,000-square-foot, climate-controlled building.

“We are pleased to have found this space to serve the growing Magnolia community as our newest Classic Collision repair center,”

Schaefer Autobody Centers Recognized by BBB for Superior Ethics

Two of the company's 14 locations were separately honored with the 2023 TORCH Award for Ethics.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 23, 2023

Schaefer Autobody Centers has received the prestigious 2023 TORCH Award for Ethics from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in two regions: St. Louis and Columbia, MO, Quality Collision Group announced.

Schaefer Autobody Centers, a St. Louis-based collision repairer, joined Quality Collision Group in April, bringing with it 14 locations in Missouri and Southern Illinois. During a luncheon Oct. 3 at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis, Operations Manager

Georgia Auto Shop Raises Money for Cancer Research

The shop's two locations are participating in "Brakes for Breasts" to raise money for the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Research Fund.

Written by Julianne Akers, The Northeast Georgian
Published Oct. 23, 2023

When customers get their car serviced at Barrett Automotive’s shops in Cornelia and Eastanollee, GA, they can also support breast cancer research.

The local auto repair shop is hosting the “Brakes for Breasts” fundraiser for the fourth year.

This October, Barrett’s Automotive is one of hundreds of shops in the country participating in the fundraiser.

Shops offer free brake pads and shoes, and

Illinois Body Shop Proposal Goes to Next Step

The Darien, IL, Planning and Zoning Commission voted in early October against allowing Gerber Collision & Glass to open a new location in an old pharmacy building.

Written by David Giuliani, Patch
Published Oct. 23, 2023

A proposal for an auto body shop in Darien, IL, is set to go before a City Council committee later in October.

Two weeks earlier, the city's Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-1 against allowing a Gerber Collision & Glass in the old CVS Pharmacy building.

This was after more than 50 neighbors showed up to ...

Seattle-Tacoma Area Reports 2,100 Stolen Cars in September

A social media trend showing how to steal certain Hyundai and Kia models continues to cause problems.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 20, 2023

Officials in the Washington counties containing Seattle and Tacoma reported a total of more than 2,100 vehicles were stolen in the month of September alone---an average of 71 per day.

The Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force said 705 vehicles were reported stolen in Pierce County and 1,431 in King County.

The task force said apartment complexes are a top target for thieves, as are Hyundaiand Kiamodels not equipped with engine immobilizers, thanks to a

Ford Mustang Mach-E Recall Issued Second Time

Vehicles repaired during the first recall in 2022 will also need to have the new repairs performed.

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published Oct. 20, 2023

A FordMustang Mach-E recall involves about 35,000 SUVs equipped with extended range batteries.

The 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E recall follows a federal investigation and a recall announced in 2022.

The SUVs repaired during the previous Ford Mustang Mach-E recall will need to have the new repairs performed.

Ford said the high-voltage battery main contactors may overheat and cause the Mustang Mach-E to lose drive power.

"Direct Current ('DC')

Maryland Lt. Gov. Keynotes Maryland Auto Insurance’s 2023 Women's Conference

The event celebrated women in the insurance industry and was planned and executed by female team members at Maryland Auto.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 20, 2023

Maryland Auto Insurance hosted its second annual Women’s Conference for female insurance professionals Oct. 18 at the Marriott Courtyard hotel in Baltimore, MD, where Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller was the keynote speaker.

The event celebrated women in the insurance industry and was planned and executed by female team members at Maryland Auto. The conference also provided developmental opportunities for female

Classic Collision Acquires CO Auto Body Shop

Michael’s Auto Body & Glasshas serviced Castle Rock, CO, for more than 30 years with quality repairs and exceptional service.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 20, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Oct. 20, the acquisition of Michael’s Auto Body & Glass in Castle Rock, CO.
 
Michael’s Auto Body & Glass has serviced Castle Rock for more than 30 years with quality repairs and exceptional service. The shop was voted best auto repairer in Douglas County for 10 straight years and is known for its state-of-the-art collision facility.

“Our commitment has been to return

NABC Recycled Rides Donates Vehicle to Charlotte-Area Veteran

Janee Bennett, a U.S. Navy veteran, received a refurbished 2017 Toyota Camry.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 19, 2023

On Oct. 18, the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides program presented a deserving Charlotte, NC, area veteran with a vehicle to provide her independence and the ability to work. 

Allstatedonated the vehicle, which was refurbished by collision repair partner Maaco Rock Hill in South Carolina and mechanical repair partner Meineke Car Care Charlotte.

The presentation was held at the Driven Brands headquarters in

South Dakota Entrepreneurs Receive Abra Top Gun Award

The trio own four Abra locations that provide best-in-class service.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 19, 2023

Mike Brown, Doug Sharpand Chet Lockwood, the multi-store owners of Abra Brookings, Abra Faribault, Abra Watertown and Abra Mitchell-SD in South Dakota, were recently named winners of the Abra Top Gun Award at the Driven Brands U.S. collision conference in Kissimmee, FL.

Abra’s Top Gun Award is presented to multi-store owners who embody the Abra mindset in everything they do.

With more than two decades of ownership

Owner of Mississippi Mechanic Shop Arrested After Customer Complaints

Zachary Coalburn faces a charge of "intent to cheat or defraud" customers at his shop, C&C Diesel Performance.

Written by Kate Bieri, FOX13 Memphis
Published Oct. 19, 2023

Hernando, MS, officers arrested and booked the owner of a mechanic shop on Oct. 11 after multiple customers complained of service.

Zachary Coalburn, 29, faces a charge of false pretense, defined as "intent to cheat or defraud."

Capt. Kyle Hodge with the Hernando Police Department confirmed to FOX13 the charge is in connection to his business at C&C Diesel Performance.

On

Research Finds Charging EVs will Increase Colorado Energy Bills

Building wind and solar facilities and new transmission lines to bolster the grid will contribute to the expected higher rates.

Written by Joe Mueller, The Center Square
Published Oct. 18, 2023

A Coloradans’ average monthly electric bill will more than quadruple by 2050 if the state requires 80% of all car sales to be electric vehicles in the next decade, according to new research.

A 34-page report, “Colorado’s Energy Future: The High Cost of 100% Electric Vehicles,” is the third of three reports by the Independence Institute and the Center of the American Experiment on the state’s energy status. The report said

Former Connecticut Postmaster Admits to Scheme Involving Vehicle Repairer

The former postmaster demanded free service for personal vehicles while overpaying the repair shop for work done to USPS vehicles.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 18, 2023

Ephrem D. Nguyen, 50, former postmaster of the Danbury, CT, Post Office, pleaded guilty Oct. 13 in federal court to a bribery, kickback and embezzlement scheme involving an auto repair shop.

Nguyen admitted to requiring all post office vehicle maintenance and repair work to be done by a certain shop starting in November 2020, even though the Danbury Post Office was already contracted with another shop. Nguyen demanded the

PHOTO GALLERY: 2023 Galpin Auto Sports Car Show Hosts 1,000 Cars

The annual car show is the largest in the San Fernando Valley.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 18, 2023

The ninth annual Galpin Auto Sports Car Show was held Oct. 15 at Galpin Motors in North Hills, CA.

The 2023 edition of the biggest car show in the San Fernando Valley featured live music, food trucks, a kids’ zone and a low rider hop contest.

More than 1,000 cars were on display across nine locations along Roscoe Boulevard, including Galpinized rides, hot rods, muscle cars, customs, one-of-a-kind builds, super cars, hyper cars, JDM cars, off-road cars, classics and legendary rides.

CAA Releases Legislative Update After Session Ends

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several bills before the Oct. 14 deadline.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 18, 2023

The California Autobody Association (CAA) released its legislative and regulatory update on proposed bills for October. CAA will continue to review, monitor and report.

Bureau of Automotive Repair

AB 1263: This 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

NABC F.R.E.E. Program Hosts First Responders from 4 States, D.C.

First responders from Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., learned how to handle the latest vehicle technology.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 18, 2023

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety(IIHS) hosted first responders from Charlottesville, VA, three other states and Washington, D.C., on Oct. 10 and Oct. 12 at a special National Auto Body Council(NABC) First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.)™ education and guidance program.

More than 100 first responders donned their rescue gear for a hands-on demonstration of the latest techniques in

3 CA Family Members Plead Guilty to $38M Catalytic Converter Theft Conspiracy

Two brothers and their mother were part of a nationwide ring that shipped stolen converters to New Jersey for sale to a metal refinery.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 18, 2023

Three Sacramento, CA, family members pleaded guilty Oct. 16 to charges related to their participation in a nationwide catalytic converter theft conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced in a news release.

Brothers Tou Sue Vang, 32, and Andrew Vang, 28, and their mother, Monica Moua, 58, all pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport stolen catalytic

Sacramento Native Jessie Hord Honored with Fix Auto USA Arrow Award

Hord has opened three Fix Auto USA locations in the Sacramento are since 2019, all of which get top reviews from customers.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 18, 2023

Jessie Hord declared his passion for all things with a motor at 17, and has been laser-focused on pursuing a career in the field ever since. After mastering high school automotive class, he went on to study machining and welding at the local college. Like he was shot from a bow, this entrepreneur is on target for success as owner of three Fix Auto USA collision repair facilities in Sacramento. In recognition of his accomplishments, Hord

Delaware Has Given 4,207 EV Rebates for $9.7M Since 2015

The state's rebate program was launched in 2015 to accelerate EV adoption, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square
Published Oct. 17, 2023

Delaware has given 4,207 electric vehicle rebates for $9.7 million since 2015, state data says.

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Program provides incentives for Delawareans and their businesses to buy or lease new battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program.

The program offers $2,500 for battery electric vehicles with a base manufacturer's

Dan Stander Honored with Fix Auto USA Community Champion Award

Stander's family has served the Littleton, CO, area through both collision repair and their philanthropic efforts since the 1970s.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 17, 2023

Since the 1970s, Dan Stander’s family has been in the collision repair business in the Littleton, CO, area, delivering quality service and community investment. Stander, owner of Fix Auto USA Highland Ranch, who continues his family’s tradition, was recently honored at the Driven Brands U.S. collision repair joint conference as the winner of the Fix Auto USA Community Champion Award.

The Community Champions

Minnesota Collision Repair Family Wins Abra Community Champions Award

Kedrick and Louann Johnson, along with their sons Scott and Todd, own and operate five Abra locations and are known for their outreach.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 17, 2023

From the front lines of Vietnam to the front desk of a collision repair facility, Kedrick Johnson knows commitment to a team, supporting those around you and focusing on a mission are what keep you alive---and make you successful. 

Kedrick and his wife, Louann, formed KLST, Inc., which owns five Abralocations in Minnesota---Abra Cloquet, Abra Duluth, Abra Elk