EPA Crackdown on Vehicle Emission 'Defeat Devices' Includes WA Company

Written by Randy Bracht, The Center Square
Published Sept. 5, 2023

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a series of settlements with companies in five states, including Washington, that illegally sold “defeat devices” that altered emission control systems on vehicles.

In an Aug. 24 news release, EPA said Competition Specialties Inc. of Auburn, WA, paid a $225,368 penalty for selling 227 parts or components between 2018 and 2020 which allowed for the removal of vehicle emission control components.

An even larger penalty of $265,000 was levied against Diamond Eye Manufacturing Inc. of Athena, OR. The

Chicago Sues Hyundai, Kia Over Steep Rise in Vehicle Thefts

Written by Brad Anderson, CarScoops
Published Sept. 5, 2023

The City of Chicago has sued both Hyundaiand Kia in response to the car theft crisis city officials say has been fueled by vehicles from the South Korean car manufacturers.

The lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County and notes that Kia Corporation, Kia America, Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Motor America failed to equip most cars sold in the U.S. between 2011 and 2022 with immobilizers. The City of Chicago is asking the court to hit the car manufacturers with fines, issue an injunction to prevent them from advertising their cars as being

Ford Launches Home Charging Pilot Program with Duke Energy in NC

PublishedAug. 31, 2023

Fordon Aug. 28 announced a pilot program with Duke Energy to provide electric vehicle customers in North Carolina with a chance to save money, increase the use of renewable energy and support electric grid resiliency while charging at home. 

The EV Complete Home Charging Plan pilot aims to bring more certainty to the cost of EV home charging by providing a low, fixed monthly rate for electricity used in exchange for allowing Ford and Duke Energy to manage charging times to best support the electric grid.

The pilot program will help support electric grid resiliency by seamlessly managing selected

Maine Weighs Plans to Restrict Gas-Powered Vehicles

Written by Christian Wade, The Center Square
Published Aug. 31, 2023

Maine is being urged to join a handful of states in banning the sale of new fossil fuel-powered vehicles, but critics say the move would be costly for consumers.

A coalition of environmental groups has petitioned the state Board of Environmental Protection to adopt stringent emissions standards that would require an increasing percentage of new cars sold in Maine to be zero-emission vehicles, with the goal of 82% by model year 2032. Another petition proposes similar standards for trucks.

The restrictions would apply only to new passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty

CARSTAR Body Lines Collision Opens in Freedom, CA

PublishedAug. 31, 2023

CARSTARannounced the opening of CARSTAR Body Lines Collision, located at 1923 Freedom Blvd., Freedom, CA 95019.

Jorge Mendoza, owner of CARSTAR Body Lines Collision, takes great pride in the family of team members he has established. Mendoza’s stepfather is heavily involved in the business operations and the duo is also supported by Mendoza’s sister, Tracy, who serves as the facility’s office manager. 

“At this point in my career, I think I’ve worked in every angle of collision repair,” said Mendoza. “I got my start washing bathrooms and sweeping floors at the body shop down the

Written by CJ Haddad, Cape Coral Breeze
PublishedAug. 31, 2023

To be a staple business in a community, there is some criteria to be met: longevity, being prominent in what you do and customer service. Ken’s Auto Repair in Cape Coral, FL, exceeds all of those requirements, which is why the business is celebrating 50 years of serving the community.

Opened in 1973 by Ken Schuman, the shop on Del Prado Boulevard has seen it all over the past five decades, and has grown and developed with the times. The business is multi-time “Best Of” winner, and has served generations of Cape Coral

New Jersey Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Added 22K Vehicles

Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square
Published Aug. 30, 2023

New Jersey has provided 22,448 electric vehicle rebates and will spend $82 million on the program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. 

In 2012, only 1,557 electric vehicles were registered statewide. But from January through April 2023, the state added 7,902 EVs.

Charge Up New Jersey offers incentives of up to $4,000 for purchasing or leasing a new, eligible battery electric vehicle and $250 for purchasing an eligible EV charger.

 In the program’s first three years, the state provided incentives for more than 16,000

Oxford, PA, Man Wanted for $3,000 Theft of Services

Written by Holly Herman, Patch
Published Aug. 30, 2023

Police issued a warrant for Jordan D. Russell, 37, of Honey Brook, PA, on theft charges in connection with failing to pay a $3,000 bill for car repairs to an auto repair shop in Oxford Borough, PA.

In November 2022, the owner of a repair shop in the 200 block of S. Third Street reported to police a vehicle they had completed more than $3,000 worth of repairs on was stolen from their parking lot.

The owner said he asked Russell numerous times to pay the bill to no avail.

On May 22, when Russell was pulled over by police in the vehicle, he told police he picked it up at the

23 Charged in CA 'Family And Friend' Organized Auto Insurance Fraud Ring

Published Aug. 30, 2023

An alleged “family and friend” organized auto insurance fraud ring was thwarted by the Urban Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force. On Aug. 15, seven individuals were arrested in connection to this case. In total, 23 individuals face felony counts of insurance fraud and conspiracy.

Alleged ring leader, Gerson Castro Martinez, 34, of San Jose, CA, was arrested July 29 on eight felony counts. Castro allegedly involved family and friends in a fraud scheme that netted defendants more than $174,000.

An investigation uncovered 33 claims that contained a similar modus operandi, where repeat

Car ADAS Solutions Announces New Calibration Center in Indiana: Midwest ADAS

PublishedAug. 30, 2023

Car ADAS Solutions, a leading provider of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) calibration technology and services, announced the addition of a new licensee---Midwest ADASin Merrillville, IN. The facility, serving body shops in Indiana and Illinois, is co-owned by Andy Tylkaand his brother, Geoff Beckett.

“We are very excited to be working with another industry leader, sharing our vision of how to tackle the ADAS calibration opportunity,” said Greg Peeters, CEO of Car ADAS Solutions. “We are energized by Andy’s and Geoff’s aggressive growth

1Collision Adds Arizona-Based Estrella Collision to Network

Published: Aug. 29, 2023

1Collision is excited to announce Estrella Collision has joined its nationwide network.

Based in Avondale, AZ, the family owned and operated collision repair and paint facility prides itself on providing excellent service to customers and operating with integrity.

“Honesty is our best policy,” said Jason Smith, owner of Estrella Collision. “With honesty and transparency being our No. 1 goal, everything else falls into place.”

“We’re excited that Jason and his team came on board with 1Collision,” said John Hollingsworth, director of new business development. “They

102-Year-Old Celebrates Birthday Amid Roar of Engines at Woodward Dream Cruise

Written by Elizabeth Puckett, Motorious
Published Aug. 24, 2023

For more than a quarter-century, the annual Woodward Dream Cruise in Metro Detroit has been a sanctuary for car aficionados. This year's event, held Aug. 19, was no exception. The rumbling of engines and the gleam of polished chrome attracted enthusiasts from every corner of the country. 

Among the sea of muscle cars, vintage trucks, and iconic roadsters was a celebration of a different kind, one that warmed the hearts of all who passed by James Senior Living in Ferndale, MI.

Perched among her fellow seniors, Marcella

Aided by $25M from General Assembly, Colorado Repairing Winter-Damaged Highways

Written by Joe Mueller, The Center Square
Published Aug. 24, 2023

Maintenance crews will repair and repave roads damaged by winter weather before temperatures turn cool, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.

“CDOT is relentlessly focused on repairing critical sections of roadways that mountain travelers depend on in advance of the upcoming winter season,” Executive Director Shoshana Lew said in a statement. “The last winter season was one of the harshest for Colorado, causing potholes and rutted pavement. We are putting that money to work by repairing 12 stretches of roadway across the state,

New Mexico Woman Sentenced to 2 Years for Stealing from Auto Body Shop Employer

PublishedAug. 24, 2023

Christina Joyner, 48, of Rio Rancho, NM, was sentenced to 24 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $2 million in restitution to her former employer, after she pled guilty to wire fraud on Sept. 2, 2022.

Alexander M.M. Uballez, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced the sentence Aug. 22.

According to court records, from approximately July 2014 through September 2021, Joyner used her position as bookkeeper for Quanz Motor Car Company, doing business as Quanz Auto Body, to defraud the company of more than $2

Carvana Debuts Same-Day Vehicle Delivery in Indiana

PublishedAug. 23, 2023

Carvana, an industry pioneer for buying and selling used cars online, is the first used auto dealer to provide select customers in Indiana with the speedy and convenient service of online purchasing with same day delivery. 

Carvana customers already benefit from an accessible, transparent and intuitive online car buying experience, and now local area residents have the opportunity to receive their new ride as soon as the same day they order it.

“Since launching vehicle delivery in Indianapolis in 2016, we’ve remained dedicated to our thousands of customers in the state, as we constantly strive to deliver an even

Ford Awards Hankook Tire Tennessee Plant 'Quality is No. 1' Supplier Medal

PublishedAug. 23, 2023

Leading global tire maker Hankook Tire was recognized by Ford Motor Company's Q1 quality assessment and certification system for its Tennessee Plant. The Clarksville, TN, facility was awarded the Q1 medal, which stands for "Quality is No. 1," for representing excellence in key areas such as technological innovation, product quality, service capabilities and continuous improvement.

The Q1 medal represents the commitment to a quality-first approach. In recognition of the unique basic quality and manufacturing rules of Ford Motor Company, Q1 is an extremely influential benchmark in the automotive

Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster is ‘Best of Show’ at Pebble Beach

PublishedAug. 23, 2023

A Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster (W 29) won the prestigious “Best of Show” title at the 2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Aug. 20.

The sporty luxury car prevailed over a top-class field of exclusive classic cars in the jury vote at the final event of Pebble Beach Automotive Week, Aug. 17- 20. 

This victory is the 10th “Best of Show” title for a Mercedes-Benz vehicle since the start of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1950. This means that Mercedes-Benz is now the most successful brand in the history of this crowning event in the classic car calendar. 

The 540 K

NHTSA, Massachusetts Find Common Ground on State's Right to Repair Law

Written by Abby Andrews, Autobody News
PublishedAug. 23, 2023

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revised its stance on Massachusetts' "right to repair" law, saying Aug. 22 it "strongly supports" right to repair and may have found a way to allow independent repairers access to vehicle data without compromising the safety of that data.

The letter came a bit more than

Sav On Supplies Joins Wesco Group

PublishedAug. 23, 2023

Wesco Group, a leading paint, body and equipment distributor in the U.S. and Canada, is pleased to announce Sav On Supplies has joined the Wesco team.
 
Sav On Supplies has been servicing the greater Los Angeles market for the past 23 years. The owner, Jorge Mendoza, came from humble beginnings and founded the company in 2000. Over time, the company grew from a single location store to seven locations today.

“We welcome Sav On Supplies to the team. This expands our footprint in Southern California to the greater Los Angeles market, and we are excited to team up to service customers and continue our growth

2 Ex-Tesla Employees Face Legal Action for Customer Data Leak

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

Two former Teslaemployees are currently facing a lawsuit filed by the EV maker over the leak of the “Tesla Files” earlier this year. The leaked data reportedly includes information---such as social security numbers and other personal identifying information---of more than 75,000 individuals.

Tesla outlined its response to the issue in an advisory notice published by the Maine Attorney General’s Office. The letter included a background into the issue, as well as the steps the company has taken to address the leak. 

As noted by Tesla, it was informed by German media

Dangerous Chemical Spill Investigated at GM's Ultium Cells Plant

Written by Dan Mihalascu, InsideEVs
Published Aug. 22, 2023

A chemical spill at General Motors' Ultium Cells battery plant in Warren, OH, is being investigated by federal regulators.

Officials from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) confirmed the investigation to The Detroit News. According to photos and video of the incident obtained by the publication, a slurry containing battery materials and a hazardous solvent leaked over the weekend of Aug. 19-20, spilling a black substance on the ground in the Warren factory's mixing department.

Ultium Cells, a joint venture

Georgia Couple's Dream Car Purchase in Florida Turns into Financial Nightmare

Written by Elizabeth Puckett, Motorious
Published Aug. 22, 2023

A senior couple from Acworth, GA, is sounding the alarm over what they describe as a deceptive transaction with Dream Auto Collection, a South Florida car dealership. Jeanne Clark and Steve Hawespaid $15,000 for a rare, low-mileage 2003 Lexus LS, only to find themselves without a car and without responses to their refund requests.

Clark and Hawes discovered the vehicle on Dream Auto Collection’s website and saw it as a perfect match for Clark's 2001 Lexus LS. According to Hawes, they interacted with a man named

Houston Body Shop Owner Makes History with Milestone Growth

PublishedAug. 22, 2023

Fix Auto USA announced the milestone opening of Fix Auto Houston, located at 9350 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX 77070.

This location makes Fix Auto USA history as the first Fix Auto USA location in the state of Texas and the 15th state the growing collision brand has expanded to. 

Fix Auto Houston is owned by Kevin Taylor, a second-generation collision shop owner, who joins the Fix Auto USA family with 18 years of experience as an owner-operator and a deep understanding of what it means to achieve success in this field. He has a rich background in the industry and a proven track

Nissan Sentra Tie Rod Recall Affects 236,000 Vehicles

By David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published Aug. 22, 2023

A recall has been announced for 2020-2022 NissanSentra tie rods that may bend or break.

More than 236,000 Sentras are recalled to prevent the tie rods from bending if the vehicles strike curbs or suffer other impacts.

This Nissan Sentra tie rod recall replaces and expands a Sentra recall issued in June 2021.

Nissan said a Sentra owner should call their dealership for help with transportation if the steering wheel vibrates or if it feels off-center.

Nissan must design new tie rods as replacements, so as an interim repair dealers will inspect and replace any

Ford Mustang Mach-E Recall Under NHTSA Investigation

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

Fordis working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) while it investigates Mustang Mach-E recalls affecting 2021 and 2022 model years.

The automaker recalled the Mustang Mach-E all-electric SUV in June 2022. According to the official NHTSA documents, the Ford Mustang Mach-E’s June 2022 recall concerned “an overheated high-voltage battery contractor [that] may cause the vehicle to lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.”

The recall affected 48,924 Mach-E units. Ford initiated the recall and notified Mustang Mach-E owners affected by the

Lee Rodgers Appointed to CAWA's Board of Directors

PublishedAug. 22, 2023

Lee Rodgers has been appointed to CAWA’s Board of Directors representing Automotive Parts Associates (APA).  

“I am pleased to announce that APA’s Lee Rodgers is joining the CAWA Board of Directors," said Young Suhr Jr., chair of the Board of Directors. "He is a welcomed addition to our leadership. I look forward to his participation and contributions to CAWA in assisting the association in achieving its goals as an effective and valuable automotive care industry organization."

Rodgers started his career in 2006 with Main Gate, Inc. as a distribution center manager and

Classic Collision Adds New Location in Washington 

PublishedAug. 18, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Aug. 18---the acquisition of Lakeside Collision Kirkland in Kirkland, WA. 

For more than 60 years, Lakeside Collision Kirkland has been a valuable pillar in the community.

“Our motto has been to take the pain out of an already painful situation, and we believe that Classic Collision will uphold that motto,” said Tim Pugmire, former owner of Lakeside Collision Kirkland.

“We are excited to welcome the Lakeside Collision Kirkland team to our ever-growing Classic family! We are thrilled for the addition of our fourth location in the

Lordstown Motors Agrees to Settle Trade Secret Lawsuit

Written by Ron Selak Jr., Tribune Chronicle
Published Aug. 18, 2023

Lordstown Motors Corp. has agreed to pay $40 million to Karma Automotive LLC to settle a lawsuit that claims Lordstown Motors stole trade secrets and plundered employees from the California-based auto company.

The proposed agreement, which needs approval from a U.S. bankruptcy court judge in Delaware, calls for Lordstown Motors to pay Karma a one-time royalty payment of $5 million, according to the proposal filed Aug. 15 with the court.

The settlement “represents an important step” in Lordstown Motors’ effort to “maximize value” as it navigates

Rate Hikes Not Bringing Profit to Auto Insurers

By Susanne Sclafane, Insurance Journal
Published Aug. 18, 2023

Jumps in rates and written premiums did little to move the needle on underwriting profits for U.S. personal auto insurers, Fitch Ratings reported based on a recent review of midyear results of nine big market players.

Profitability challenges in the auto line prompted a Fitch downgrade of the lead subsidiary of one of the insurers, Kemper, on Aug. 17, and a changed outlook for another, Horace Mann. Separately, S&P Global Ratings downgraded yet another---Allstate---earlier the same week.

In their analysis of public company GAAP filings titled,

400 Charges Filed Against NC Nissan Dealership Employees for Selling Damaged Cars

Written by Sebastien Bell, CarScoops
Published Aug. 18, 2023

A dozen employees at a Nissandealership in Shelby, NC, are collectively facing more than 400 charges following a state department of transportation investigation into their used vehicle sales practices.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is charging the employees with failure to inspect vehicles prior to being offered for sale, failure to deliver title, failure to disclose damage, improper use of temporary markers, making false statements about date of sale, and more.

The investigation was launched after the agency started looking