Ford F-150 Parking Brake Malfunctions Cause Recall

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published Aug. 1, 2023

FordF-150 parking brake malfunctions have caused a recall of more than 870,000 trucks equipped with single exhaust systems.

The recalled 2021-2023 Ford F-150 trucks can suffer from parking brake malfunctions which cause the electric parking brakes to suddenly activate while driving.

This can occur if the exhaust system damages the electric parking brake wiring and causes a short-circuit to the ground.

It will be a dangerous situation if the parking brake unexpectedly activates while driving.

Ford opened an investigation in February after complaints about

Arizona in Top 3 States for Incoming Moves, Growing by 12%

Written by Lauren Scott, The Center Square
Published Aug. 1, 2023

Arizona grew by nearly 12% from 2010 to 2020, with most people moving from California, Washington and Illinois.

Arizona’s rising population ranked ninth in the nation during the same time period. Many people moved to Phoenix, a city that expanded its population by 18%.

From 2020 to 2021, Arizona ranked third in population growth and Maricopa County gained more residents than any other county in the country, adding 159,000 Phoenicians, according to a report by moveBuddha.

The moveBuddha report primarily used a combination of U.S. Census Bureau data and

GM’s Cruise Bringing Self-Driving Robotaxis to Nashville

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published Aug. 1, 2023

CruiseCEO Kyle Vogt said the company will expand its robotaxi service to Nashville, TN. The launch of the driverless service in the city is part of the GM subsidiary’s efforts to accelerate its commercial operations.

Cruise’s self-driving cars are expected to arrive on Nashville streets soon, with the company’s robotaxi service launching later. Cruise does not seem to be focused on Nashville alone, as the company also disclosed plans to initiate testing in multiple new cities. Based on Cruise’s posts on its Careers page, Atlanta would appear to be one of

ProColor Collision Adds New Location in Shingle Springs, CA  

PublishedJuly 31, 2023

ProColor Collision franchise owner Tony Buryakov opened a third ProColor Collision to serve area residents and businesses.   

ProColor Collision Shingle Springs joins Buryakov’s ProColor Collision locations in southeast and northeast Sacramento as another state-of-the-art repair facility offering premium collision repairs and exceptional customer service. 

The Shingle Springs location, formerly 49ER Auto Body, located at 4213 Sunset Lane, Suite 102, is fully equipped with the latest dustless sanding system, Car-O-Liner frame machine, 3D frame

New Auto Repair Shop in Allentown, PA, Different than Typical Garage

Written by Justin Backover, WFMZ News
Published July 31, 2023

Tucked away right off Union Boulevard in Allentown, PA, is a new auto repair shop. It's actually a new start-up, called Car-Up.

"Our shop will come to your home or work, pick your car up, service it and bring it back to you when it's done," said founder Larry Seibel. He's called the Lehigh Valley home for two decades and has spent his career starting tech companies.

Car-Up works through an app. Once you input your make and model, you can select the service you want or describe the issue you're having. Then, you schedule a time and Car-up picks up

Crash Champions Acquires Autobahn Collision Center in Southern California

PublishedJuly 31, 2023

Crash Champions on July 31 announced it finalized the acquisition of Autobahn Collision Center, located at 11511 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, CA. 

The deal for the 13,000-square-foot repair center officially closed July 28, and the location will begin operating as part of the Crash Champions network effective immediately. 

“The Crash Champions team is proud to continue our strategic national growth plan with quality acquisitions such as Autobahn Collision Center,” said Crash Champions CEO and founder Matt Ebert. “The Southern California market is a strong area for

VinFast Breaks Ground at North Carolina EV Facility

PublishedJuly 28, 2023

VinFastannounced July 28 it has officially broken ground at its electric vehicle manufacturing site, located within the Triangle Innovation Point in Chatham County, NC. The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place July 28 at the site, marked a significant milestone toward VinFast's global expansion and the company's supply chain development in North America.

VinFast's U.S. factory project is the first electric vehicle manufacturing facility in North Carolina, as well as the largest economic development initiative in the state's history.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S.

Alabama Hands-Free Law Reduces Distracted Driving 2.4%

PublishedJuly 27, 2023

Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) on July 27 announced the first analysis of the hands-free law enacted in Alabama on June 16. The new data shows a 2.4% reduction in distracted driving one month after Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill prohibiting drivers from handling their phones while driving. 

From May 16 through June 15, Alabama drivers spent an average of 2 minutes and 5 seconds driving distracted. In the month since the law passed, time spent distracted decreased by 3 seconds.

The gains from the new law already appear to be fading, however. The first week after the law went into effect saw the largest

Tesla Gets Around Connecticut Direct Sales Ban with Loophole

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published July 27, 2023

Tesla appears to have found an effective loophole that would enable it to operate in Connecticut, which has taken a stance against the electric vehicle maker over the years through initiatives designed to block it from establishing a presence in the state. 

Mohegan Sun, an entertainment destination operated by the Mohegan Tribe, revealed plans to introduce a Tesla Electric Vehicle Showroom, expected to debut in the fall within The Shops at Mohegan Sun. Per a press release, both locals and visitors to the area will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of Tesla

Car Insurance Rates Spike 17% in the First Half of 2023

PublishedJuly 27, 2023

The average annual cost of a car insurance policy surged $240 to $1,668 in the first six months of 2023, up from $1,428 in 2022. Prices will increase another 4% before the end of the year, according to Insurify’s latest auto insurance report. The report attributes these increases to insurers experiencing high losses as a result of soaring auto repair prices and the effects of climate change.

“Vehicle repair and maintenance costs have outpaced inflation and show no signs of slowing, leading insurers to increase auto insurance prices to keep up with the cost of higher claim payouts,” said Allie Feakins, Insurify’s

Local Veterans Gifted NABC Recycled Rides at Pocono Raceway Over NASCAR Race Weekend

PublishedJuly 27, 2023

On July 23, two deserving Pennsylvania veterans experienced a life-changing event at the HighPoint.com 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway---the presentation of two vehicles to provide them independence and the ability to work and take care of their families---thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program, along with car donors Nationwideand Allstateand repair partner Faulkner Collision Center.

The presentation was held at the Pocono Raceway as part of the NASCAR race weekend, July 22-23. The NABC also had a display in the Pocono Raceway

Sales Tax on Gas Drops in Indiana in August

Written by Steve Bittenbender, The Center Square
Published July 26, 2023

Indiana drivers will see a little relief at the pump starting Aug. 1.

The Indiana Department of Revenue has issued a memo announcing the sales tax rate in August for gasoline will be 19.4 cents per gallon. That marks the first time the sales tax on gas has dropped since February.

Before that, Indiana motorists had endured increases over the previous five months on the gas sales tax rate. State officials adjust the rate monthly based on the average retail price.

State officials determined that price to be $2.77 from June 16 to July 15, a more than 15-cent drop from the average

Arizona-California State Line Tops Nation for Biggest Gas Price Difference

Written by Cameron Arcand, The Center Square
Published July 26, 2023

For drivers headed to California from Arizona, new data confirms it’s a better idea to fill the gas tank up before crossing into the Golden State.

GasBuddyreleased its list of state borders with the biggest gas price differences, and the Arizona/California border topped the list with a $1.05 per gallon average price difference. For example, gas prices in Blythe, CA, range from $4.79 to $5.09, whereas the nearby town of Quartzsite, AZ, ranges from $3.55 to $3.69, according to GasBuddy.

The average gas price in California is $4.90 and $3.80 in Arizona as

Dallas-Based Harvey’s Collision Centers Welcomes Jeff McFadden

PublishedJuly 26, 2023

Harvey's Collision Centers, a leading collision repair group in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, is thrilled to announce the addition of Jeff McFadden as its new partner. 

With an impressive career spanning 37 years in the industry, McFadden brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to strengthen further Harvey's Collision Centers' position as a trusted and reliable service provider.

McFadden's extensive experience in the collision industry makes him a valuable asset to the Harvey's Collision Centers team. Throughout his career, McFadden has demonstrated an exceptional ability to deliver the

CA Dealership, Make-A-Wish Surprise Youth with Trip to Hawaii

Written by Auto Remarketing Staff
Published July 26, 2023

Capitol Subaru in San Jose, CA, part of Del Grande Dealer Group, partnered with Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area to throw a surprise beach-themed party at the retailer’s showroom to reveal to a local Hayward youth that his life-changing wish to travel to Hawaii with his family was coming true.

Moises De Paz, a 20-year-old with end-stage kidney disease, thought he was going out to run errands with his sister-in-law. Instead, he was surprised by the Make-A-Wish team, Subaru partners, family and friends with a beach-themed bash at Capitol Subaru to celebrate

Rivian to Turn Kentucky Coal Mine into Solar Energy Center

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published July 26, 2023

Rivianplans to convert the Starfire Mine in Kentucky to a solar energy center. The conversion is estimated to be a $1 billion solar project.
 
The Starfire Mine was once one of the largest coal mines in the U.S. It will be one of Kentucky’s largest renewable power projects once converted. Rivian will work on the Starfire project with renewable energy power producer BrightNightand The Nature Conservancy. 

“Shifting our energy system toward carbon neutrality goes beyond electrifying the roughly 1.5 billion vehicles in the global

Tesla’s First EV Plant Stoppage Begins at Fremont, CA, Factory

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published July 26, 2023

Tesla’s first EV plant stoppage has started at the Fremont Factory in California, just a week after CEO Elon Musk said production facilities would be closed at various times throughout the third quarter to perform plant upgrades.

Musk said during the Q2 earnings call that Q3

Fire Damages Billings, MT, Auto Repair Shop

Written by Ren Wadsworth, KURL 8
Published July 26, 2023

The Billings, MT, Fire Department said the occupants of an auto repair shop on 1st Ave N. and N 33rd St. were safe after smoke started pouring into their building the night of July 24, in what the fire department suspected was a structure fire.

Battalion Chief Kevin Bentz said the fire happened shortly after 6 p.m., when a motor on top of the roof malfunctioned, sending the smoke through the air ducts.

Bentz added it was a standard response from Billings Fire: sending four fire engines and a truck to help anyone who might be inside.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the

Brooklyn CARSTAR Hosts Grand Opening Event

PublishedJuly 26, 2023

CARSTAR Brooklyn Auto Solutions hosted a grand opening event to welcome those in the area to their facility to meet the team, mingle with one another and hear from elected officials and representatives in the Brooklyn, NY, area. The new facility measures 20,000 square feet and is one of the largest in the area.  

The event was held June 24, and was hosted at the CARSTAR Brooklyn Auto Solutions facility located at 10019 Glenwood Road, Brooklyn, NY 11236. During the event, attendees were treated to complimentary beverages and appetizers in the elegantly decorated facility.

The official ceremony kicked off at 6 p.m. and

Autobody News Remembers Friend and Writer Ed Attanasio

PublishedJuly 26, 2023

The team at Autobody News was heartbroken to learn our longtime writer and friend Ed Attanasio passed away July 18, 2023.

Ed wrote for our publication since 2009, and over the years he covered a wide range of industry topics while always keeping a keen eye for the stories that highlighted the human element, particularly in his long-running ...

Canada-Based Auto Firm to Invest $800M in 3 Tennessee Plants

Written by Andrew Lambrecht, InsideEVs
Published July 25, 2023

Magna International works in a multitude of automotive industry sectors, supplying components for many vehicles, both fossil fuel-powered and electric, and its subsidiary, Magna Steyr, builds EVs like the JaguarI-Pace and FiskerOcean. Worldwide, the firm operates 342 facilities, playing a significant role in the global auto industry.

On July 21, the Canadian-based automotive firm announced it will spend $790 million to construct three new manufacturing facilities in Tennessee, all three of which will be up and running by 2025.

One

Former Macon, GA, Chuck E. Cheese Turning into Auto Body Shop

By Brandon McGouirk, WGXA News
Published July 25, 2023

The long vacant, former landmark that was Chuck E. Cheese in Macon, GA, has been given a second chance at life as a new business.

Gerber Collision Auto Body and Glass has been approved to move into the property, with potential to open up new jobs for 15 to 18 workers.

Wrecked cars will be reportedly hidden from the view of commuters behind an 8-foot privacy fence to keep from turning the spot into even more of an eyesore.

As far as noise is concerned, a representative of Gerber Collision assured county commissioners the evolution of the auto body repair industry

Hollyann Lampkin Wins Car Painting Competition at WorldSkills Barbados

PublishedJuly 25, 2023

Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) student Hollyann Lampkin made history at the WorldSkills Barbados 2023 Competition by becoming the first woman to win the male-dominated Car Painting skills competition, using products from NOROO Paint Barbados.

Lampkin is now eligible to compete at the upcoming International WorldSkills competition in France in 2024.

Lampkin was one of 22 students who competed in the sixth edition of the biennial WorldSkills Barbados Competition, which took place June 20-22 and 24-25. The closing awards ceremony took place June

Owner of 6 South Carolina NAPA Stores Owes $66K in Back Wages to 20 Employees

PublishedJuly 25, 2023

Bellinger Parts Group Inc., operating as NAPA Auto Parts in Florence, SC, made illegal deductions from employees’ pay at six South Carolina store locations for store damage, cash register shortages and uniforms, causing some workers’ pay to fall below the $7.25 per hour federal minimum wage for all hours worked, a Fair Labor Standards Act violation, the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division said.

Investigators also found Bellinger Parts Group failed to pay non-exempt salary counter salespeople and delivery drivers overtime for hours over 40 in a workweek, and did not include

Mercedes EQE Loaner Car Burns Down Inside Florida Homeowner's Garage

Written by Dan Mihalascu, InsideEVs
Published July 24, 2023

A Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan caught fire and burned to a crisp inside a Nocatee, FL, homeowner's garage July 19, severely damaging the building.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ sedan was in the garage when it caught fire. According to Jennifer Ruotolo, the EV was a loaner from Mercedes-Benz while her own car was getting serviced. She told News4Jax the luxury electric sedan wasn't even charging when it burst into flames, as she doesn't own a home charging unit.

"It was parked in the garage, about 22 hours and then it caught

Pandemic Fraud Prosecutions in NC Up to 50

Written by Victor Skinner, The Center Square
Published July 24, 2023

Federal prosecutors in the respective Western, Middle and Eastern districts of North Carolina have targeted at least 50 individuals responsible for nearly $40 million in COVID-19 relief fraud since the pandemic began in March 2020.

Public statements since the start of the pandemic show 50 individuals, mostly from the state, have been charged or indicted in the Old North State with various forms of COVID-19 relief fraud involving $39,063,648 in taxpayer funds.

The most recent case involves Mooresville’s Steven Andiloro, 51, who faces securities fraud, wire fraud and money

NABC Recycled Rides Presents Refurbished Vehicle to New York Veteran 

PublishedJuly 24, 2023

On July 19, a deserving Smithtown, NY, veteran experienced a life-changing event---the presentation of 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 along with car donor GEICOand repair partner Bi-County Auto Body.

The presentation was held at Bi-County Auto Body.

The recipient was Denise Crutchfield, who received a 2021 HondaCRV. She is a U.S. Army veteran, who served from 1980-1990 and was stationed in Germany from 1981-1983. Crutchfield earned

Insurers Claim WA State Study on Increased Claims Complaints is ‘Misplaced’

Written by TJ Martinell, The Center Square
Published July 24, 2023

Insurance advocacy groups in Washington state are pushing back against a new study released by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner highlighting the recent increase in insurance claim complaints.

According to the OIC, its Consumer Advocacy Program received 467 complaints in April 2023 compared to the average of 287 per month. As of May, claim handling issues were documented in over 80% of all complaint reasons.

In a statement, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler wrote, “most of the time, the claims process works as intended when

Michigan Dealerships Lose Nearly Entire Inventory Due to Baseball-Sized Hail

Written by Michael Gauthier, CarScoops
Published July 24, 2023

Powerful storms pounded Michigan on July 20 and left a trail of destruction.

Most of the damage was caused by hail. The Detroit Free Press spoke to National Weather Service meteorologist Steve Considine, who said the Davison area was among the hardest hit as “tennis ball- and baseball-sized hail rained down.”

Hail that size can be deadly and it resulted in extensive damage, particularly to dealerships that had countless vehicles on their lots. Among the hardest hit was Todd Wenzel Buick GMC of Davison, which posted on

New Study Shows ‘Uncertain Road Ahead’ for Auto Insurance Due to Inflation, Other Concerns

PublishedJuly 22, 2023

A new study, “Auto Insurance: The Uncertain Road Ahead,” released July 19 by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), revealed insurance claims inflation has continued to rise faster than the underlying consumer price index (CPI), far outpacing increases in auto insurance premiums. 

The combination of rapidly increasing overall economic inflation and claims inflation has driven up auto insurance losses and combined ratios.

“In addition to inflation trends, the private passenger auto insurance sector is also experiencing several other trends such as increased