Hyundai Allegedly Rushing Construction on $7.6B EV Factory in GA Due to IRA Incentives

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published Sept. 22, 2023

Hyundaiis reportedly rushing the construction of its $7.6 billion electric vehicle and battery production facility due to the EV tax incentives tied to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The South Korean automaker has been moving fast to produce EVs in the U.S. since President Joe Biden passed the Inflation Reduction Act. The IRA rewards domestic EV and battery production, prompting foreign car makers to establish roots in North America or any country with a free trade agreement with the U.S.

Hyundai, which includes the Kia

Huge Sinkhole Devours Trio of Cadillacs at Massachusetts Dealer After Flooding

Written by Stephen Rivers, CarScoops
Published Sept. 22, 2023

Floods can be especially damaging for automobiles but something few ever expect is the ground to swallow up their car as a result. That’s exactly what happened with three Cadillac SUVs at a Massachusetts dealer after a flash flood. The incident

Hota Group Expanding Manufacturing Operations to New Mexico

Written by Tom Joyce, The Center Square
Published Sept. 22, 2023

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Hota Industrial ManufacturingChairman David Shen announced the Taiwanese company will expand business operations into New Mexico.

Hota signed an agreement for a 30-acre parcel in the Westpark Industrial Park in Santa Teresa, NM. Construction on its new plant will begin in 2024, according to a press release.

The manufacturer will hire 350 employees and invest $99 million in the state. It may also expand operations in New Mexico later this decade. Hota produces automotive gears for North American

Tesla Giga Texas Looking to Grow to 60K Workers when Cybertruck Ramps: Report

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published Sept. 22, 2023

Jason Shawhan, Tesla’s director of manufacturing at Giga Texas, recently gave a rare talk about the facility’s operations and the company’s future plans at the State of Manufacturing Conference & Expo, held by the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association.

Shawhan confirmed a report from the Austin Business Journal that Giga Texas is now the second-largest private employer in the region, currently employing more than 20,000 workers---a notable increase from the 12,277 employees Tesla confirmed at the end of 2022. The

Rivian Opens Store in Brooklyn for Demo Drives, More

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published Sept. 22, 2023

On Sept. 22, Rivian officially opened the doors to its new retail store in Brooklyn, a few blocks from Domino Park and the Williamsburg Bridge. Rivian invited customers to visit its Brooklyn store to explore R1T and R1S options.

“Think playground, not showroom. You’re welcome to jump in and on our vehicles,” Rivian said.

Rivian’s new store does look like a playground for adults, especially if you’re into outdoor adventure. Besides the Rivian R1T all-electric pickup truck and the R1S electric SUV, customers can also purchase outdoor gear for their upcoming adventures....

Houston Area Man Sentenced for Embezzling Millions from Employer

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept 21, 2023

Preston Allen Fredrich, 35, of Missouri City, TX, was ordered to prison in a long-running scheme that cost his employer millions of dollars, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced in a news release.

Allen pleaded guilty to wire fraud Aug. 17, 2022. On Sept. 20, 2023, he was sentenced by a federal judge to 21 months in prison, to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. In imposing the sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Keith Ellison noted the uniquely intimate nature of the crime.

From at least 2018

NABC Recycled Ride Donated to Chicago Area Recipient

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 21, 2023

On Sept. 12, Michelle Shaw of Chicago received a vehicle to provide her independence and the ability to work and take care of her family, thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides^® program.
 
The presentation was held at the CIECA CONNEX Conferencein Bloomington, IL.

The 2014 DodgeDurango was donated by Travelersand refurbished by Gerber Collision & Glass of Oak Lawn, IL. Honk for Help and Armstrong Towing donated the 130-mile tow to the event.

“I want to thank

New EV Charger Manufacturing Facility Set to Open in Durham, NC

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 20, 2023

Engineers, builders, board members and investors took their final tours of the highly anticipated KempowerEV charging plant opening in Durham, NC, the company said in a news release.

“To say that we are excited to be rounding the corner in the final stretch ahead of full production of this three-building, 170,000-square-foot plant is an understatement,” said Tim Joyce, president, Kempower North America. 

The fast charging solutions provider is currently testing its modular and scalable Kempower Satellite charging system before its pending grand

Hertz, NYC Mayor Launch ‘Hertz Electrifies New York City’

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 20, 2023

During New York City Climate Week, HertzCEO Stephen Scherr and New York City Mayor Eric Adams launched "Hertz Electrifies New York City," a public-private partnership aimed at increasing electric vehicle (EV) adoption and extending the environmental and economic benefits of electrification across neighborhoods, Hertz said in a news release.

Through the initiative, Hertz intends to add up to 1,700 rental EVs to its local fleet, create 100 new jobs to serve its growing New York presence, and partner with four public high schools to create EV education and

Warren Henry Auto Group Acquires Niles Sales and Service in Key West, FL

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 20, 2023

Warren Henry Auto Group, a dealership group in Florida, announced in a news release the expansion of Keys Auto Center (KAC) with the acquisition of Niles Sales and Service, broadening KAC's product range to include five more brands: Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Nissanand Cadillac. In total, KAC will offer 13 brands to residents in the Lower Keys.

"I've been impressed by Jack Niles and his operation for a long time," said Larry Zinn, executive general manager of Warren Henry Auto Group. "It's an honor to

Before Dave Niestroy opened 3D Auto Body in West Chester, PA, in 1981, he spent free time in high school doing repairs in his parents’ garage. Now, 3D Collision Centers spans three counties in southeastern Pennsylvania, with seven physical locations and one satellite location at a Subarudealership.

Patrick McCready, operations manager, said 3D stayed at one location until the late ‘90s, and then began opening two at a time every few years until the most recent addition in 2017.

“Dave worked closely with insurance partners to find markets that needed a strong, DRP-friendly shop,” McCready said.

3D Collision Centers
West Chester, PA
610-692-7776
...

PHOTO GALLERY: Classic Cars and Music Show Held in Carlsbad, CA

PublishedSept. 19, 2023

Spar Customs Productions hosted its monthly Classic Cars and Music show Sept. 17 at the Windmill Food Hall in Carlsbad, CA.

Held from noon to 4 p.m. the third Sunday of every month, the show features live music, a vintage marketplace and 14 food vendors, and is dog- and family-friendly.

The

United Recyclers Group, Team PRP to Sponsor NABC F.R.E.E. Program in Virginia

PublishedSept. 19, 2023

The National Auto Body Council^® announced United Recyclers Group (URG) and Team PRP have signed on as presenting sponsors for the NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) program at the renowned Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Vehicle Research Center in Ruckersville, VA.

The IIHS NABC F.R.E.E. event presented by URG and Team PRP, scheduled for Oct. 10 and 12, will feature a two-day demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication, preparing them to provide the best response for car accident victims in the

Nxu Announces First Megawatt+ Charging Site Along Major Highway Corridor

PublishedSept. 19, 2023

Nxu Inc., a domestic technology company creating EV charging and energy storage solutions, is under contract to purchase the site for its first deployment of megawatt+ charging, in Quartzsite, AZ.

Located on a major highway corridor immediately off exit 19 on Interstate 10, the Nxu One Megawatt+ Charging location will provide a much-needed charging experience for the growing number of consumer and commercial EVs regularly traveling on this major freeway between Phoenix and Los Angeles.

The Nxu One Charging System is the only universal, dual-technology solution available for public charging. With a

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced a special new award that will recognize a featured vehicle at the 2023 SEMA Show that showcases exceptional engineering. The SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award will honor and celebrate a build that demonstrates quality engineering throughout the entire vehicle, or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance.

The award aims to inspire more engineers to enter the automotive aftermarket by highlighting their impact on the automotive specialty equipment industry and places a spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between a vehicle's design and engineering.

“While vehicle aesthetics have always played a crucial role in the automotive aftermarket, this award recognizes

Texas Has Given 6,751 EV Rebate Credits for $16M

By Scott McClallen, The Center Square
Published Sept. 19, 2023

Texas’ electric vehicle rebate program has gave 6,751 rebates for $16.3 million from 2014 through August 2022.

The Texas Emissions Reduction Program offers a $2,500 rebate for buying or leasing an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle on top of a $7,500 federal subsidy.

Victoria Cann, communication specialist with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, told The Center Square in an email the rebates apply for select new light-duty motor vehicles powered by compressed natural gas, liquified petroleum gas, hydrogen fuel cell, or plug-in or plug-in hybrid to encourage

Valley Collision–Mesa in Arizona Joins 1Collision

PublishedSept. 19, 2023

1Collisionis excited to announce the addition of Valley Collision–Mesa in Arizona to the nationwide network. 

Established in January, the family owned and operated business was founded by Dennis Kennealy, who has 30 years of industry experience, and Ryan Cochran, who has a background in commercial real estate development. Kennealy said Cochran’s background will be vital as Valley Collision looks to expand its footprint in the metro Phoenix area and beyond.

"Dennis is an industry veteran and has a wealth of knowledge he can bring to our network," said John

NABC Hosts Honoring Our Heroes Golf Fundraiser in Missouri on Sept. 11

Published Sept. 18, 2023

Avid golfers from the collision repair industry and local St. Louis businesses had an opportunity to tee it up at the legendary Boone Valley Golf Club on Sept. 11 for the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Honoring Our Heroes Pars for Cars Golf Fundraiser presented by Enterprise. Jackie Smith, who played for the St. Louis Cardinals in the NFL and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994, was on hand for the festivities and performed the National Anthem to kick off the awards presentation.

Boone Valley Golf Club is one of the premier private golf resorts in St. Louis. The 18-hole

Group: Ohio Significantly Impacted by UAW Strike

Written by J.D. Davidson, The Center Square
Published Sept. 18, 2023

An Ohio manufacturers trade group believes the state bears the brunt of the negative economic impact from the United Auto Workers strike that entered its fourth day Sept. 18.

The Ohio Manufacturers Association urged union leaders and the nation’s Big Three automakers to step up negotiations to end the strike that some think is closing in on nearly a $10 billion impact nationwide.

The strike includes workers at the StellantisToledo Assembly

Classic Collision Enters Virginia

Published Sept. 15, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced six new closings Sept. 15---the acquisition of Elite Auto Body Group in Virginia.

Elite Auto Body is one of the largest independently owned groups in the Tidewater area, where customers have been their most important asset. The Elite team has taken pride in building a relationship with each customer and taking exceptional care of their needs.

“We are not just here to fix the vehicle. We want to make this experience as positive as possible and are excited to be the first group to become Classic Collision in the state of Virginia,” said Chris Bucci, former owner of Elite Auto

Midwest Auto Care Alliance Announces Executive Board

PublishedSept. 15, 2023

The Midwest Auto Care Alliance (MWACA) is pleased to announce the installation of its new executive board members during its Fall Leadership Summit held Sept. 8-10 in Lake of the Ozarks, MO.

The new board consists of industry veterans and its leadership is poised to guide MWACA into a bright future.

Newly Elected Officers

• President Summer Guerrero, Affinity Automotive Services, Wichita, KS
• Vice President Travis Troy, Honest Wrenches Automotive Repair, Des Moines,

EPA Spares Collision Repairers from Reporting Requirements in Proposed Regulation

PublishedSept. 15, 2023

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) excluded collision repair facilities from its proposal to increase required reporting under a revised Air Emissions Reporting Requirements (AERR) regulation. 

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) applauded the move. Without the exclusion, ASA said, the rule would inflict considerable economic costs upon many small businesses while providing the government data of negligible value.

The Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel, convened by the EPA to assist in developing the proposal, selected ASA to serve as a Small Entity

Crash Champions Charity Golf Tournament Raises Record $165,000 for Make-A-Wish® Illinois

PublishedSept. 15, 2023

The Crash Champions Collision Repair Team on Sept. 15 proudly announced its longstanding Charity Golf Outing event successfully raised a record $165,000 for Make-A-Wish Illinois, the highest total in the event’s 10-year history.

The presentation was made Sept. 13 at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook, IL, where the golf outing hosted Crash Champions’ leadership team members, insurance partners, vendors and community leaders.

Together, Crash Champions

Rivian Chooses Kapalama Kai for First Service Center Location in Hawai‘i

PublishedSept. 14, 2023

Kamehameha Schools welcomes Rivianto its tenant ‘ohana in Kapalama Kai, as the electric vehicle manufacturer prepares to open its first service center in Hawai‘i by the summer of 2024.

Located a block from Dillingham Plaza at 1603 Dillingham Boulevard, the 15,181-square-foot facility will be fully equipped to manage vehicle deliveries, along with comprehensive bumper-to-bumper maintenance and repairs for Rivian’s R1 vehicles and commercial vans.

“Enhancing the resiliency of Kapalama Kai requires attracting businesses and opportunities that spark innovation and drive industry growth,” said

California Senate Passes Bill Requiring Human Operator in Self-Driving Trucks

PublishedSept. 13, 2023

Teamster-supported legislation that would require a trained human operator in autonomous vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds overwhelmingly passed the California Senate on Sept. 12 with strong bipartisan support, and heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom, the Teamsters announced in a news release. 

California Assembly Bill 316, first introduced in January by state assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, Laura Friedman, D-Glendale, Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, and Ash Kalra, D-San Jose, received votes in favor from all

CAA Watching Several CA Bills as Legislature Returns

PublishedSept. 13, 2023

The California Legislature has returned from summer recess and the California Autobody Association (CAA) anticipates a surge of legislative activity in the coming weeks. CAA has been following these legislative bills, and will continue to monitor and report.

Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR)

AB 1263: The 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 provide a consumer with a

NABC Donates 3 Recycled Rides to Missouri Recipients in Honor of Patriot Day

PublishedSept. 13, 2023

On Patriot Day, Sept. 11, the National Auto Body Council^®held a special NABC Recycled Rides^®presentation to honor two families of fallen first responders and a military member and provide them reliable transportation. The event was hosted by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and made possible by car donors Allstate, Farmers Insurance^®and Nationwide Insurance and repair partners Schaefer Autobody Centers, Crash Champions and Caliber Collision, along with support from Evercoat.

The presentation was held at

Automotive Parts Company to Lead $35M Georgia County 'Investment'

Written by T.A. DeFeo, The Center Square
Published Sept. 12, 2023

An automotive parts company plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Candler County, GA.

State officials said DAS Corp.'s investment, coupled with "collaborative indirect investments," will total more than $35 million. The new Metter facility will create 300 jobs.

"The project is still active, and Georgia Quick Start is involved," a Georgia Department of Economic Development representative confirmed to The Center Square in an email. The designation allows state officials to decline to release how much the state offered in

Georgia Increases Incentives for Hyundai Bryan County Project

Written by T.A. DeFeo, The Center Square
Published Sept. 12, 2023

Georgia governments and development authorities have increased their incentives to Hyundai Motor Group, but state officials were cagey in confirming the exact amount.

Last year, Hyundai announced it picked Georgia for its first fully dedicated electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facility. The company initially said it planned to invest more than $5.5 billion to build the facility, and LG Energy

Florida’s Strained Insurance Industry Pulled on Again

Written by Andrew Powell, The Center Square
Published Sept. 12, 2023

Idalia's cost will be in billions and will put additional strain on Florida's insurance industry.

The Category 3 storm---winds of 111-129 mph on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale---made landfall Aug. 30 near Keaton Beach in the Big Bend region of the Gulf Coast, one of the largest to hit the area in a century. Trees and powerlines were downed amid a 7-foot storm surge that flooded homes close to the coast.

A report from Moody’s Analytics released Sept. 6 stated in total, private insured losses are between $3 billion and $5 billion, while the National Flood