Auto Shop Owner, Former Customer Both Die After Exchanging Gunfire

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 2, 2023

The owner of a Florida auto repair shop and a former customer both died after the customer shot at the owner, who then shot back, the Largo, FL, Police Department said in a Facebookpost.

Police said they responded to Stout's Automotive, at 1801 S Belcher Road in Largo, at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 27 after receiving multiple 911 calls about an active shooter. They found two men with gunshot wounds in the shop's office. Both were transported to local hospitals, where they were later pronounced dead.

Investigators learned the former customer, Eugene Becker, 78,

FL Claims Adjuster Arrested for Alleged $11.6M Auto Insurance Fraud Scheme

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 2, 2023

Angela Augustine, an insurance claims adjuster in Broward County, FL, was arrested for allegedly conducting an $11.6 million auto insurance fraud scheme, allegedly re-opening numerous claims and issuing settlement checks to approximately 326 alleged co-conspirators.

An investigation revealed between December 2018 and October 2022, Augustine allegedly re-opened previously closed or settled claims and made approximately 1,255 fraudulent payments to co-conspirators for more than $11.6 million. 

Augustine allegedly fabricated claims on insurance policies,

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

Classic Collision Opens New Location in Bloomington, MN

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 2, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced in a news release the opening of a newly renovated facility in Bloomington, MN.

Classic Collision Bloomington is conveniently located near the Mall of America, a few miles south of downtown Minneapolis. This spacious 20,500-square-foot building is Classic’s eighth Minnesota location.

“We are pleased to have found this great facility to serve the Bloomington community as our newest Classic Collision repair center. We recognize the need to add additional options for our customers in the Minneapolis area. We look forward to servicing the

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. Senator from Ohio Wants to End EV Subsidies, Start Gas-Powered Tax Credits

Written by J.D. Davidson, The Center Square
Published Sept. 29, 2023

More than $100 million in electric vehicle subsidies would go to gas-powered vehicles built in America if U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-OH, gets his way.

Vance wants to eliminate President Joe Biden’s plan for $100 million in federal electric vehicle subsidies and replace it with taxpayer subsidies for gas-powered vehicles. He said it will help current striking United Auto Workers members.

“Right now, the official policy of the Biden administration is to spend billions of dollars on subsidies for electric vehicles made

Denver-Area High School Reinstating Shop Classes

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 29, 2023

Elizabeth High School in Elizabeth, CO, outside Denver, recently announced it has brought back shop classes to its offerings.

KDVR News reported instructor Derek Spohn will teach students metal fabrication, auto repair and welding.

Spohn said he thinks the class used to be known as industrial arts and later shop class before being eliminated altogether, likely in the ‘90s during the tech boom.

Principal Bret McClendon told KDVR News there are 170 students enrolled.

Jerry’s Abra Auto Body & Glass in Minnesota Donates $5,100 to Alzheimer’s Association

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 29, 2023

Jerry’s Abra Auto Body & Glass in Mankato, MN, announced in a news release Sept. 28 it donated $5,100 to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The donation is the result of a summer-long partnership between Jerry’s Abra and the Mankato MoonDog’s Summer Collegiate baseball team. Each time a MoonDog’s player scored a home run, Jerry’s Abra donated $100 to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The MoonDogs hit 51 home runs this season---25 of which were hit at the ISGField---resulting in the $5,100 donation. The Kottschades decided again this year to

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

Potentially Groundbreaking Tesla Autopilot Trial Begins in California

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
PublishedSept. 28, 2023

Teslawent to trial Sept. 28 in what could be an important trial in terms of driver assistance features.

Opening statements were set to begin in a California courtroom in a case stemming from a crash that resulted in the death of one person and injuries to two more, who are suing Tesla and accusing Autopilot of causing the accident.

In 2019, Micah Lee’s Tesla Model 3 suddenly veered off a Los Angeles highway at 65 mph and struck a palm tree, according to the suit, filed by the two passengers and Lee’s estate. The car then caught fire.

Ttwo

Penske Dealerships in Texas Sustain Hail Damage

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 28, 2023

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. announced severe storms at its Genesis, Honda, Hyundai and Toyotadealerships in Round Rock, TX, caused significant hail damage to more than 750 new, used and customer service loaner vehicles.

The company estimates these vehicles represent more than $27 million in inventory value. Most of the damaged vehicles are not repairable and are anticipated to be total losses.

Penske is assessing the damage to determine their financial impact. Some of the damage is expected to be covered by insurance, but Penske will incur

Missouri Hands-Free Law Has Prevented 80 Crashes

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 28, 2023

A month after Missouri’s new hands-free law went into effect Aug. 28, research from Cambridge Mobile Telematics showed technology-driven distracted driving among the state's drivers dropped 2.86%, helping to prevent 80 crashes and $1.8 million in economic damages to date.  

One month before the law, drivers in Missouri spent an average of 1 minute and 45 seconds of every hour behind the week handling their phones. Since the law began, distracted driving in Missouri has dropped to 1 minute and 42 seconds.

CMT’s research shows every 10% decrease in distracted driving reduces the crash rate

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

Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to PPP Loan Fraud

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 27, 2023

Reginald Alphonso Hopkins, 52, of Prince George's County, MD, pleaded guilty Sept. 27 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, after receiving $1 million in fraudulent PPP funds and applying to get $3.1 million more.

If the plea agreement is accepted by the court, Hopkins will be sentenced to between 18 months and 41 months in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2024.

Between June 2020 and March 2021, a co-conspirator submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications for Prestige Executive Transportation, Prestige 24/7 Auto Sales & Services LLC and Prestige

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,

Tesla Plans for Major Supercharger Expansion in Las Vegas

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

Teslais planning a major Supercharger expansion in Las Vegas, with more than 75 new stalls to be available to EV drivers by the end of the year.

Tesla already operates Superchargers in a variety of locations across Sin City, but the demand for charging locations is increasing. The automaker announced on a small, curbside sign it was planning to bring more stalls and stations to various areas of the city.

Its three most notable Las Vegas Superchargers are located on S. Las Vegas Boulevard, which features 24 V3 chargers, at the city’s convention center, where 12 V3

Charlotte Woman Accused of Submitting Fake Auto Body Work Invoice

Written by Doug Coats, Queen City News
Published Sept. 26, 2023

A Charlotte, NC, woman is being charged with insurance fraud after being accused of presenting an invoice for car repair that never occurred.

The N.C. Department of Insurance said on March 23, Joquetta Jacqueline Clair, 23, of Steele Creek, presented a fictitious invoice from a collision center to her insurance company showing that damage to her 2015 DodgeCharger had been repaired. However, the collision center reportedly never did the repair work nor produced the invoice.

The case is being investigated by the DOI’s Criminal Investigations

Ford Pauses $3.5B EV Plant Despite $1.7B Subsidy

Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square
Published Sept. 26, 2023

Despite $1.7B of promised taxpayer incentives for the plant and site readiness, Ford Motor Co. says it’s not confident about its ability to competitively run its Marshall, MI, electric vehicle plant.

Lawmakers and Ford said the plant would create 2,500 jobs paying an average wage of $45,136.

“We’re pausing work and limiting spending on construction on the Marshall project until we’re confident that we’ll be able to competitively operate the plant,” Ford spokesman T.R. Reid told The Center Square in an email. “There are a number of considerations.

Despite Incentives to Manufacturers, Georgia Cities Rank Poorly for EV Owners

Written by T.A. DeFeo, The Center Square
Published Sept. 26, 2023

While Georgia officials dole out billions in taxpayer-backed incentives for manufacturers of electric vehicles and related components, the state's cities don't rank particularly high in a nationwide analysis of the best cities to own an electric car.

Roof Gnome's new ranking of 2023's Best Cities to Own an Electric Car found Macon was the seventh worst city for electric vehicle owners---and 194th overall. Atlanta ranked 112th out of the 200 cities on the list and fared the best of any Georgia city.

Augusta ranked 178th, Columbus came in at No. 162, and

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

Intertek Unveils Electrification Centre of Excellence Near Detroit

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 26, 2023

Intertekannounced the grand opening of its Electrification Centre of Excellence at its Transportation Technologies lab in Plymouth, MI, to deliver science-based solutions to automotive manufacturers and their supply chains to support the industry’s global move towards electric mobility.

Intertek CEO André Lacroix kicked off the grand opening celebration by looking ahead to the future of the electric vehicle market and its contribution to a sustainable future. 

“The need to find sustainable and cleaner solutions for vehicles has accelerated the

Frank Flora Accident Repair Opens New Location in FL

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 26, 2023

Frank Flora Accident Repairrecently opened a new shop in Jupiter, FL, expanding its reach and services to the local community, it announced in a news release.

With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Frank Flora Accident Repair is known for its high-quality collision repair services, using state-of-the-art technology and equipment to ensure the best results for its customers.

The new shop in Jupiter is a testament to Frank Flora Accident Repair’s commitment to providing top-notch services to its customers. The facility is equipped with the latest technology and equipment,

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

Polestar Opens Retail Location in North Carolina

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 25, 2023

Polestaropened a new retail location in Charlotte, NC, at 4425 Sharon Road, Ste. S140, it announced in a news release. 

The latest Polestar Space---the first in North Carolina and 31st in North America---helps to address the need for more electric vehicle retail options in the state, as it saw a 50% increase in EV registrations in 2022.

"Polestar Charlotte represents the latest addition to our rapidly expanding retail network and marks our brand's debut in the Carolinas," said Gregor Hembrough, head of Polestar North America. "With this new location, customers in

Austin Auto Body Shop Recognized by Tesla as Top Performer

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 22, 2023

Autocraft Bodywerk’s North Austin location, specializing in the repair and restoration of Teslamodels, has been recognized by Tesla as the Top Performer during the second quarter for collision repair in the U.S. Southwest Region, and eighth overall out of more than 700 TACC shops in North America, announced Tammie Harper, general manager at the North Austin location, in a news release.

Autocraft Bodywerks, established in 1984, opened the North Austin location at 12131 Roxie Drive in 2019. 

“This is a wonderful achievement,” Autocraft Principal

Colorado Trying to Boost EVs Tenfold by 2030 with Thousands in Rebates, Credits

Written by Shirleen Guerra, The Center Square
Published Sept. 22, 2023

By handing out thousands in rebates and credits, the state of Colorado has an ambitious plan to get more electric vehicles on the road.

There are up to $26,000 in state and federal subsidies available to Colorado motorists looking to buy electric vehicles as part of the state's plan to increase the number of EVs on roads by 2030 by more than tenfold.

The state's goal is to have 940,000 EVs in the light-duty sector on the road within seven years. As of January, there were 72,840 EVs on the road in Colorado, according to Drive Electric

Maryland Has Given 12,836 EV Rebates for $28M

Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square
Published Sept. 22, 2023

Maryland has given 12,836 electric vehicle rebate credits between fiscal year 2011 and 2022 for $28.7 million.

The program allows up to a $3,000 excise tax credit for battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The battery electrics are fully electric and have rechargeable batteries; plug-in hybrids use a battery and gasoline-powered internal combustion engine.

The Maryland Zero Emission EV Infrastructure Council targets 600,000 registrations statewide by 2030 to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 1.61 million metric tons.

Maryland