Fix Network Automotive Glass Expands Apprenticeship Program to Western States

Speedy Glass USA shops in Washington, Oregon and Montana now offer 2,000-hours of paid on-the-job training.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 17, 2023

Fix Networkcontinued to expand the reach of its Automotive Glass Apprenticeship Program with opportunities in Washington State, Oregon and now Montana.

The Fix Network Apprenticeship Program (FNAP) began in November 2022 as the first automotive glass apprenticeship of its kind in the U.S. The program, run through Fix Network’s Speedy Glass USAshops, focuses on training and certifying individuals in automotive glass

Autonomous Vehicle Demonstrations Held on Virginia Highway Express Lanes

A controlled autonomous vehicle was put through a series of scenarios meant to challenge it and ensure its performance keeps everyone safe.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 17, 2023

Over three days in October, demonstrations were conducted to show how connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) could operate in express lanes on Route 395 in Northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C.

The demonstrations were funded in part by a $7.5 million grant from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation to support CAV research, and were run by Transurban North America, which owns and operates the express lanes,

Autonomy, Atlantic Coast Automotive Partner to Offer EV Subscription Service

Autonomy's subscription package covering insurance, maintenance and more will now be available to customers through Atlantic Coast Automotive's network.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 17, 2023

Autonomy, an electric vehicle subscription company, announced its partnership with Atlantic Coast Automotive in its aim to make affordable and hassle-free EV ownership accessible to dealerships nationwide.

Autonomy's EV subscription package includes a range of benefits, including vehicle insurance, maintenance, wear and tear coverage, and roadside assistance, simplifying the EV ownership

Colorado Auto Body Shop Sued by Customer for Taking Too Long to Repair Car

StormWise Automotive Hail Repair took three times longer than it originally quoted to fix hail damage.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 17, 2023

A Lakewood, CO, auto body shop is facing a lawsuit from a former customer for taking three months to fix her vehicle after it was damaged by hail.

Shirley Dale took her HondaCR-V to StormWise Automotive Hail Repair on July 11 for the repairs. The shop told her it would take four weeks, but 12 weeks later, she still didn’t have her SUV. She finally got it back Oct. 4, the day after Denver7 Investigates aired a news story

Proposed Florida Law Would Require Collision Repairers to Request Accident Reports

The bill was written in response to the hit-and-run death of a teenager in 2022, after which the driver tried to get the vehicle fixed.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 17, 2023

A bill recently filed in the Florida Senate would require auto body repair shops to request a written accident report before fixing a vehicle with crash damage, the News Service of Florida reported.

The bill, filed by Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, was written after Lilly Glaubach, 13, died after being hit by a vehicle while riding her bike in August 2022. The driver fled the scene and

GM’s Ultium Cells Battery Joint Venture Facing $270K In OSHA Fines

OSHA found several violations at the plant when it investigated the cause of an explosion and fire earlier this year.

Written by Iulian Dnistran, InsideEVs
Published Oct. 17, 2023

Ultium Cells, the joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution that manufactures electric vehicle battery cells, is facing up to $270,000 in fines after investigators from OSHA found several violations at the company’s factory in Warren, OH.

Federal investigators looking into the cause of a March explosion and fire at the plant found 17 serious violations and two other violations that affect job safety and

Ford Recalling 238K Explorers for Rear Axle Bolt Failure Risk

The NHTSA said software upgrades offered as part of two previous recalls did not address the rear axle bolts.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 16, 2023

Fordrecently notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration it is recalling more than 238,000 2020-2022 Explorer SUVs, because the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture, causing the driveshaft to disconnect.

Ford said the disconnected driveshaft could result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Dealers will replace the

Eight schools will receive an Autel IA800 Lane Departure Warning (LDW) ADAS Calibration Package.

Autel has partnered with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) to donate an Autel Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Calibration Package to eight standout U.S. collision repair school programs, the company announced in a news release.

The Autel IA800 Lane Departure Warning (LDW) ADAS Calibration Package includes an IA800 ADAS Optical Positioning Frame System, LDW targets and patterns for 20 vehicle brands, a MaxiSYS 909 tablet with ADAS calibration software, a VCI/J2534 pass-thru programming device, and a full-color, 244-page Autel Academy ADAS training manual.

CREF is the collision industry's national charity that works to

Illinois Auto Sales Director Recognized as Emerging Female Industry Leader

Gabrielle Abinion received the 2023 "Ally Sees Her" award at this year's NAMAD conference.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 16, 2023

Gabrielle Abinion of Fox Valley Volkswagen in St. Charles, IL, was honored with this year's "AllySees Her" award for her proven leadership in the automotive industry, becoming a dealership general manager at only 25 years old, decades ahead of most in that role.

Juan Niebles, Ally's senior director of auto sales, presented Abinion, a general manager at Fox Valley Volkswagen, which has been owned by Abinion's family

The session will look at how vehicles, materials, technologies and trends are evolving in ways that will impact repair processes and repair businesses.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) announced the third and final session of the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit: Research and validation of calibration solutions. The Summit will take place Nov. 2 in the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the 2023 SEMA Show.

The first session begins at 9 a.m., and concludes with this final session from 1-2:30 p.m. Register online for this and other Repairer Driven Education (RDE) sessions here.

The OEM Summit offers attendees the opportunity

Nevada Division of Insurance to Hold Public Forum on Auto Rates

A diverse team will give their unique perspective on the factors influencing rising rates and explore ways to confront the challenge.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 13, 2023

The Nevada Division of Insurance it will host a live webinar panel discussion to address questions and concerns about the rising costs of auto insurance in the state.

This event will be held virtually at 10 a.m. PT Nov. 1, and is open to the public. Interested attendees can get more details and register ...

Classic Collision Acquires Frank’s Collision Repair in South Florida

The family-owned auto body repair shop has been serving Opa-Locka, FL, for 33 years.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 13, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced in a news release a new closing Oct. 13, the acquisition of Frank’s Collision Repair in Opa-Locka, FL.

Frank’s Collision was a family-owned center servicing Miami-Dade County for 33 years.

“Our mission has been to provide our customers and insurance partners with superior service and outstanding repairs and know that Classic Collision operates on high standards,” said Franciso Hernandez, former owner of Frank’s

Vermont Man Gets 4 Years in Prison for Selling Stolen Teslas

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 13, 2023

Michael Gonzalez sold three of the stolen Teslas and burned another in an attempt to collecting money on an insurance claim.

Michael Gonzalez, 34, of Shelburne, VT, was sentenced Oct. 11  in federal court to 48 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, after he previously pleaded guilty to five counts of possessing and disposing of stolen vehicles that had crossed state lines, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont.

According to court records, in 2018 and 2019, Gonzalez obtained five new Teslas

Maine Car Repair Shops Back State Ballot Right to Repair Question

“They’ve got a plan,” one Maine repair shop owner said of automakers, “and we’re not involved in it.”

Written by Emma Davis, Maine Morning Star
Published Oct. 13, 2023

Adam Stanley opened his auto repair shop, Stanley’s Auto Repair in Stacyville, ME, nine years ago. About four years in, he began noticing a change. Increasingly, he was losing access to the software he needed to repair vehicles.

In recent years, he’s often had to direct his customers in Stacyville, a town in the foothills of Mount Katahdin, over an hour’s drive to Bangor or nearly three hours away to Portland to get their

EIN, Valley CAN Donate 27 Hydrogen EVs to LA Families, Nonprofits

The initiative is an extension of EIN's DriveH2 public service campaign and Valley CAN’s Mirai4All program.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 13, 2023

Los Angeles-based nonprofit Energy Independence Now (EIN) and Valley Clean Air Now(Valley CAN) have joined forces to donate 27 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and free fuel to local residents and community based organizations.

To promote clean transportation and environmental justice, EIN partnered with Valley CAN, Toyota and an alliance of community organizations, including Think Watts Foundation,

Kansas Entrepreneurs Honored with CARSTAR Community Champion Award

Raymond Rose and A.J. Pickering, owners of three CARSTAR facilities in the Wichita area, were recognized for their philanthropy.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 13, 2023

Two CARSTAR owners came to the West like cowboys on a mission, and several years later, Raymond Rose and A.J. Pickering have built a strong business at their CARSTAR Collision Specialists East, CARSTAR Collision Specialists West and CARSTAR Old Town collision repair facilities---and a reputation for their commitment to making the community better. 

CARSTAR recently recognized

California Entrepreneur John Banh Named Fix Auto USA Rookie of the Year

John Banh joined the network in 2021 with a location in Huntington Beach, CA, and now owns four facilities across the region.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 13, 2023

John Banh, owner of four Fix Auto USA collision repair locations throughout Southern California, was named the Fix Auto USA Rookie of the Year for 2023.

Banh is part of the fabric of the Southern California car culture. When he joined the network in 2021 with the Fix Auto USA North Huntington Beach location, he was embraced by the local car community. He has since seen impressive growth, now owning four Fix Auto

Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria Celebrates Grand Re-Opening

The dealership will host an event Oct. 16 to show off its new state-of-the-art showroom. 

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 12, 2023

Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria in Arizona announced the grand re-opening of its state-of-the-art showroom.

The revamp of the dealership features innovative LED lighting technology, EV charging stations and a modernized guest lounge. This shift to LED lighting and the addition of EV charging ports represents a significant milestone for Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to sustainable business practices. 

LED lighting offers a

Minnesota Auto Part Plant Plans to Lay Off 80 Employees in December

Northern Engraving in Spring Grove is losing business, as its main buyer is discontinuing two vehicles that require the most parts from the plant.

Written by Theodore Tollefson, KAAL TV
Published Oct. 12, 2023

A longtime auto parts company in Spring Grove, MN, will see major changes this December.

Northern Engraving notified the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development it would be laying off 80 employees at their Spring Grove plant.

Northern Engraving has been producing auto body parts at this plant for nearly 50 years. But with their main buyer in auto parts discontinuing two cars that

San Antonio Entrepreneur Carlos Guzman Named CARSTAR Rookie of the Year

Guzman joined the franchise in 2017 and now owns four CARSTAR locations, with plans to keep growing.

Written by Autobody News Staff
PublishedOct. 12, 2023

Carlos Guzman, a San Antonio entrepreneur and owner of four CARSTAR collision repair facilities---CARSTAR Superior Collision 90W, CARSTAR Superior Collision Broadway, CARSTAR Superior Collision Natalia and CARSTAR Superior Park Village---has been named the CARSTAR Rookie of the Year for 2023.

The Rookie of the Year award is given in recognition to a new and/or growing CARSTAR franchisee as it gets “up and

North Dakota Brothers and Entrepreneurs Named Abra Rookie of the Year

Jeremy and Matt Buller officially became owners together in 2015, and in just eight years, have grown to own three Abra locations across North Dakota.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 12, 2023

Jeremyand Matt Buller, North Dakota brothers who turned a passion for working on cars to founding three Abracollision repair facilities throughout the state, have been named the Abra Rookie of the Year for 2023.

The Rookie of the Year award is given in recognition to a new Abra franchisee as it gets “up and running” with Abra. To qualify for the award, a franchisee must be in

Consumer Watchdog Wants Mercury Insurance Banned in CA for Price-Gouging, Discrimination

This is at least the third time since 2004 the California Department of Insurance has charged Mercury with violations of Proposition 103's consumer protections.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 12, 2023

Consumer Watchdog on Oct. 11 filed a petition to intervene in action brought by the California Department of Insurance (CDI) against Mercury Insurance Group for overcharging, misleading and discriminating against California homeowners and motorists.

Ultimately, the nonprofit organization thinks Mercury---the state's third-largest auto insurer and sixth-largest home

Arizona Police Bust Car Theft Ring

More than $1 million worth of stolen vehicles were recovered and four suspects were arrested after a months-long investigation.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 12, 2023

A lengthy investigation into a criminal group buying and selling stolen vehicles resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of multiple stolen vehicles in Arizona.

The five-month investigation was led by the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s (AZDPS) Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) and focused on a group of suspects purchasing stolen vehicles with illegitimate VINs from the East Coast and shipping them to Arizona to be sold. 

Rickey

Ram Recalls 337K Trucks for Backup Camera Issue

A software update is needed for the cameras, which can sometimes show black or blank screens.

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published Oct. 12, 2023

A Ram truck backup camera image recall has been issued because the rearview camera images may not display when the Ram trucks are shifted into REVERSE.

The Ram truck backup camera image recall involves more than 337,000 of these trucks in the U.S. and Canada.

• 2022-2023 Ram 1500
• 2022-2023 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab (gross weight rating less than 10,000 lbs.)
• 2022-2024 Ram 2500

In June

Car Dealers Protest Proposal Allowing Direct EV Sales in Washington State

One dealer manager said the proposal "ignores the significant negative impact this action would have on our small local businesses, employees and communities."

Written by TJ Martinelli, The Center Square
Published Oct. 12, 2023

The state Transportation Electrification Strategy is intended to help guide Washington along the path away from the use of fossil fuels in vehicles, with a 2035 ban on the sale of new gas cars. However, recent public testimony offered on the draft TES indicates that many of its recommendations or goals have numerous logistical and political hurdles ahead.

Currently, Washington is

The 2023 SEMA Show is forecasted to return to historic levels when it comes to the Las Vegas Convention Center Oct. 31–Nov. 3.

Now in its 56th year, the Show is where the automotive aftermarket industry gathers to discover new products, identify future trends and make valuable connections that empower the growth of one of the most innovative industries in the country and around the world.

“The SEMA Show is a must-attend event for anyone who wants to set the pace in the automotive aftermarket,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “The scope of exhibitors, new product launches, high-quality programs and opportunities at this year’s Show will have attendees well-positioned for success in the coming year.”

The growth of the Show

Florida Automotive Group to Pay $9 Million to Settle PPP Loan Fraud Claims

A whistleblower informed the federal government the auto group was not actually a small business, as it claimed to be when it applied for the loan.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 11, 2023

Victory Automotive Group Inc.(VAG), a Port Richey, FL-based automotive management company, agreed to pay $9 million to resolve allegations it falsely claimed it was a small business when applying for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness, a violation of the False Claims Act (FCA).

Only small businesses were eligible for PPP loans, a qualification based on various factors, including the number of

Safelite Group Acquires Intermountain Auto Glass in Idaho

The shop is located in Garden City, ID.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 11, 2023

Safelite Group, owner of Safelite AutoGlass, announced Oct. 10 an agreement to acquire Idaho-based Intermountain Auto Glass. The transaction was completed Oct. 6.

“On behalf of our associates across the country, we welcome new team members with enthusiasm as they join us in providing the quality service our customers have come to expect,” said Safelite President and CEO Renee Cacchillo.

With a location in Garden City, ID, the combined businesses expand Safelite’s reach, allowing them to

TKO Group Acquires Crown Mitsubishi in St. Petersburg, FL

The dealership will be renamed St. Pete Mitsubishi and moved to Seminole, FL.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 11, 2023

TKO Group recently bought Crown Mitsubishi in St. Petersburg, FL, from Crown Automotive Group, a move announced in a news release by Performance Brokerage Services, which advised on the sale.

The Mitsubishi dealership will be relocated to 8350 Park Blvd. North in Seminole, FL, and will be renamed St. Pete Mitsubishi.

Crown Automotive Group was established in 1969 as a Pontiac dealership in St. Petersburg. Founder

Recipient of Largest State Subsidy in NC Posts $623M Loss

EV maker Vinfast broke ground on its first production facility outside of its native Vietnam in Chatham County, NC, in July.

Written by Victor Skinner, The Center Square
Published Oct. 11, 2023

A new VinFastearnings report showed the electric car company slated to receive the largest taxpayer subsidy in North Carolina history lost $623 million this summer, with net losses now eclipsing $5 billion since 2021.

The earnings report released Oct. 5 shows VinFast’s revenue swelled 3.8% from the second quarter to $342.7 million, as net losses continued to rise by 20% to $622.9 million, putting the company on track to post its biggest