Phoenix Sees 719% Increase in Kia Thefts, 412% for Hyundai in 2023

Written by Cole Lauterbach, The Center Square
Published Aug. 8, 2023

Car thefts of two kinds of vehicles in Phoenix have skyrocketed due to a social media trend showing how easily they can be broken into.

The Phoenix Police Department released crime statistics showing violent crimes are slightly lower in the first half of the year compared to the same time in 2022. Property crimes are also down by 10% overall.

The department considers burglary, theft, arson and motor vehicle theft in the category of property crimes. All of those dropped except for stolen vehicles, up 4% on the year compared to the first half of last year.

Of the

SCRS Airs Collision Shops’ Concerns About Insurers to Washington State Regulators

Written by John Yoswick, Autobody News
Published Aug. 8, 2023

The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) held a workshop this summer to discuss possible ways to address a record number of consumer complaints being filed with the office in recent years. This past April, for example, the regulator received 467 complaints, up more than 62% from a historic average of 287.

Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society of Collision Repair

Wake Tech Announces Recipients of Advance Auto Parts Foundation Scholarships

PublishedAug. 8, 2023

Five 2023 Wake County, NC, high school graduates will train to become skilled automotive technicians, thanks to scholarships from the Advance Auto Parts Foundation. 

Wake Tech Community College has announced the recipients of the Advance Auto Parts Foundation Future Technicians Scholarships, which aim to increase diversity in the college's automotive degree programs and address the nationwide shortage of technicians. The students will enroll in either automotive systems technology or collision repair and refinishing, both offered at the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence.

This year’s

Kia Niro, Niro Hybrid SUVs Recalled Over Fire Risk

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published Aug. 7, 2023

A KiaNiro hydraulic clutch actuator recall has been announced for more than 121,000 SUVs due to a risk of fires in 2017-2022 Kia Niro and 2018-2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles.

Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator and cause an engine compartment fire.

In January, Kia learned of a 2020 Kia Niro Hybrid owner who complained about an illuminated hybrid warning light. A dealership found thermal damage to the hydraulic clutch actuator connector and harness.

Another report came in, this time from a 2019 Niro Hybrid with an

Oceanside, CA, Brewery Hosts VW All Out Car Show

PublishedAug. 7, 2023

The 7th annual VW All Out Car Show was held Aug. 5 at Belching Beaver Brewery in Oceanside, CA.

Hosted by Reggie Smith (@funky68vw on Instagram), the event featured more than 100 classic cars, vendor pop-up shops and a beach cruise.

Prizes were awarded for first and second place in several categories, including Best Bug, Ghia, Split Window Bus, Bay Window Bus, Type 3/4, Water-Cooled, Water-Cooled Euro, Off Road and Buggie, as well as a grand prize for best car in show. Raffles and prizes were

Crash Champions Expands in Florida, Acquires Ideal Auto Collision

PublishedAug. 7, 2023

Crash Champions on Aug. 7 announced it has expanded its Florida footprint with the successful acquisition of Ideal Auto Collision.

The acquisition officially closed Aug. 4, with operations transitioning to Crash Champions effective immediately. Crash Champions now operates more than 50 locations across Florida and a nationwide network of more than 600 high-quality repair centers in 36 states and Washington D.C. 

“This is an important step forward in the steady, strategic growth of the Crash Champions brand,” said Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions. “We’re focused on

Carvana Launches Same-Day Vehicle Delivery in Arizona

Written by Auto Remarketing Staff
Published Aug. 6, 2023

Buying a car is not like ordering a pizza. But for some Carvanacustomers, the delivery time might be getting close.

The nation’s largest online used-car retailer has launched same-day delivery to select customers who order a vehicle in Arizona, with plans to expand the service to select markets nationwide in the coming months.

“Carvana’s new same-day vehicle delivery option is just one example of how we’re constantly evolving to deliver an even better auto retail experience,” Carvana Senior Director of Finance Matt Dundas said in a news release.

“Customers

Oregon Ends 72-Year Ban on Self-Serve Gas Pumps

PublishedAug. 4, 2023

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek on Aug. 4 signed a bill officially allowing the state’s drivers pump their own gas for the first time in more than seven decades.

House Bill 2426 allows gas stations to open half their pumps to self-service.

Oregon news outlets published explainers the same day on how to pump your own gas.

The bill was passed by the state’s House in March and Senate at the end of June.

With the move, New Jersey is now the lone U.S. state that does not allow

Nassau County, NY, Collision Repair Shops, Owner Convicted of Tax Fraud

PublishedAug. 4, 2023

Jose Cardona, 45, of Oceanside, NY, was sentenced Aug. 2 for felony tax fraud related to his ownership and operation of two Nassau County collision repair shops, New York State officials announced.

In Nassau County State Supreme Court, Cardona was sentenced to six months in jail and five years of probation, after having already paid more than $700,000 in restitution.

Cardona’s two businesses previously pleaded guilty to felony tax fraud charges, and his wife, Veronica Cardona, 44, also of Oceanside, previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor false filing charge related to a

Ohio Lawmakers Want Vehicle Emission Tests Stopped in 7 Counties

Written by J.D. Davidson, The Center Square
Published Aug. 4, 2023

A group of northeast Ohio lawmakers wants the state Environmental Protection Agency to stop a nearly 30-year-old federal anti-pollution program they say puts a heavy burden on citizens in seven counties.

The E-check program began in 1996 and requires vehicle owners in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit counties near Cleveland to pass regulatory emissions requirements.

No other counties in the state are impacted.

In a letter to Ohio EPA Executive Director Anne Vogel, a bipartisan group of state representatives said the

Hyundai, Kia, Genesis Hit with Class-Action Suit Over Faulty Charging Ports

Written by Iulian Dnistran, InsideEVs
Published Aug. 4, 2023

Owners of all-electric vehicles sold by Hyundai, Kia and Genesishave filed a nationwide class-action lawsuit against the car manufacturers, claiming certain models feature defective charging ports that can lead to longer than advertised charging times or even a failure to charge, potentially leaving users stranded.

The suit was filed in late July with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and alleges the automakers advertised vehicle charging times between five to seven hours, depending on vehicle make, with the use of a

Couple Charged with $217,000 Embezzlement from CA Auto Repair Shop

Written by Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News
Published Aug. 4, 2023

A Martinez, CA, couple has been charged with embezzling more than $217,000 from a Berkeley, CA, auto body shop, in a simple scheme that involved the defendants allegedly writing hundreds of checks to themselves from the business, court records show.

Justin Durland and Bryanna Durland have each been charged with a single felony count of embezzlement over time from Berkeley Auto Body. Both have pleaded not guilty and have been released from jail while the charge is pending.

They are set to appear in court in mid-August for a

Hyundai, Kia Recall 92,000 Vehicles for Fire Risk, Advise Owners to Park Outside

PublishedAug. 3, 2023

Hyundaiand Kiaon July 31 notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) they are recalling about 92,000 vehicles because the electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.

The automakers said if the electric oil pump assembly overheats, it increases the risk of a vehicle fire, and advised owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. 

Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as

Terry McCauley Appointed to CAWA's Manufacturers' Advisory Council

PublishedAug. 3, 2023

Terry McCauley of Niterra North America has been appointed to CAWA’s Manufacturers’ Advisory Council. 

“I have known Terry for some time, appreciate his commitment to the industry and am pleased to announce that he is joining the CAWA Manufacturers’ Advisory Council," said Young Suhr Jr., chair of the Board of Directors. "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."

McCauley is a seasoned veteran in the automotive aftermarket

Traffic Deaths in Arizona Increase for 3rd Year in a Row

Written by Lauren Scott, The Center Square
Published Aug. 2, 2023

Traffic deaths in Arizona rose for the third consecutive year, increasing 8.6% in 2022 compared to 2021. 

According to the state’s annual report on motor vehicle crashes on all roads, including local streets, there were 1,294 traffic fatalities across the state last year. Injuries from crashes totaled 52,411.

Figures show crashes associated with speeding resulted in most of the deaths and injuries. 

“Pedestrian, bicyclist and motorcyclist deaths all increased last year,” according to a July 31 news release. “Overall, the 2022 traffic fatality total

Mitchell 1 Names Ohio Teen 2023 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student

PublishedAug. 2, 2023

Jack Fowler of Mount Vernon, OH, has been named the 2023 Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student, a recognition that comes with a $2,500 scholarship. 

Every year, Mitchell 1 honors a U.S. or Canadian student for their outstanding achievement in automotive technology and auto shop repair scholastics. The scholarship program is administered through the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

“Mitchell 1 is proud to recognize Jack Fowler for his outstanding achievements and dedication to pursuing a career as a professional service technician,” said Nick

Cloninger Automotive Group in NC Signs Licensing Agreement with DCR Systems

PublishedAug. 2, 2023

DCR Systems, LLC, announced Aug. 2 that Cloninger Automotive Group based in Salisbury, NC, signed an area development licensing agreement with the company. The agreement provides access to DCR Systems’ full turnkey operating model. 

“We appreciate Cloninger’s belief and trust in the DCR process and applaud their courage to adapt and transition from a traditional operation to lean-focused operation,” said Michael Giarrizzo, president and CEO of DCR Systems. “They have invested in a beautiful facility and a new way of doing things, and we are thrilled to partner with them on this

New Study Shows Disproportionate Effect of Credit Scores on Auto Insurance Rates

PublishedAug. 2, 2023

Consumer Federation of America (CFA) released a new report July 31 detailing the impact of auto insurers’ use of consumer credit information on good drivers with only fair or poor credit scores. Across the country, consumers with poor credit annually pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars more for the basic auto insurance coverage mandated by state laws.

The full report is available here.

Auto insurance must, by law, be purchased by

Toyota Indiana Announces New Grand Highlander SUV, $11 Million Community Investment

PublishedAug. 2, 2023

Toyota Indiana on Aug. 2 celebrated the start of production of the first-ever Grand Highlander, an all-new three row SUV. In 2021, Toyota announced an $803 million investment in Indiana to produce two all-new SUVs. First up, the 2024 Grand Highlander, featuring the latest technology, a spacious, adult-sized third row and plenty of cargo space for family adventures.

The announcement also included a five-year, multimillion-dollar commitment to help create limitless possibilities for Indiana schools. The Toyota USA Foundation announced Driving Possibilities grants of up to $11.1 million to prepare

Tesla, Rivian Head to Court in NDA Battle

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Aug. 2, 2023

Teslais heading to court against former employees who joined rival automaker Rivianin a lawsuit claiming they breached non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) related to trade secrets.

On Aug. 2, the former Tesla and now Rivian employees attempted to have the suit thrown out via a summary adjudication ruling. However, a state court judge tentatively denied their request, so the lawsuit will be going forward.

The judge did grant the employees’ request for a ruling on Tesla's claim they accessed company computers illegally to copy and steal important data, according

Michigan Hands-Free Law Has Prevented 650 Crashes, 2 Fatalities

PublishedAug. 1, 2023

Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) on Aug. 1 announced an analysis of the impact of the new hands-free law in Michigan, which began June 30. The analysis showed Michigan drivers spent an average of 1 minute and 47 seconds per hour on the road handling their phones in June. Since the start of the hands-free law, phone motion distraction has fallen to an average of 1 minute and 35 seconds per hour, a drop of 11.2%.

CMT’s data shows that every 10% decrease in distracted driving reduces the crash rate by 1.4%. CMT estimates the 11.2% reduction in distraction in Michigan since June 30 has helped prevent 650 crashes, two fatalities

Bollinger Motors Receives $3 Million Jobs Creation Grant from Michigan

PublishedAug. 1, 2023

Mullen Automotive, Inc., an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer, announce July 26 that Bollinger Motors received final approval from the state of Michigan for a $3 million grant aimed at promoting job creation in the state. In a unanimous decision, the Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved the incentive through the Michigan Business Development Program.

“Bollinger Motors is poised for growth and we’re proud to be focused on expanding our company’s operations as we approach start-of-production,” said Robert Bollinger, founder and CEO of Bollinger Motors. “I appreciate Michigan’s faith in our

NABC Recycled Rides® Program Donates Refurbished Vehicles to Indianapolis Veterans

PublishedAug. 1, 2023

On July 18, two deserving Indianapolis veterans experienced a life-changing event---the presentation of a vehicle to provide them each independence and the ability to work and take care of their families---thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program along with car donors Allstateand Farmers® and repair partners Connan’s Paint and Body Shop and Andy Mohr Collision Center, both members of