PG&E Rolls Out New Programs to Accelerate EV Adoption in Underserved Communities

PublishedJuly 21, 2023

In support of California's goals for vehicle electrification and climate action, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is offering two new programs designed to improve access to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for customers in underserved communities.

The Empower EV and Multifamily Housing and Small Business EV Charger pilot programs provide no-cost EV charging infrastructure and resources to help address the costs of installing chargers at single-family homes, multifamily housing units, nonprofit organizations and small businesses throughout low- and moderate-income communities in

Jake Boggs Appointed to CAWA's Board of Directors

PublishedJuly 21, 2023

Jake Boggs of Undercar Plushas been appointed to CAWA’s Board of Directors. 

“I am pleased to announce that Jake Boggs 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 Jake’s participation and contributions to CAWA in assisting the association in achieving its goals as an effective and valuable automotive care industry organization."

Boggs has spent 25 years in the automotive aftermarket in various positions within sales, operations, marketing, purchasing and product

Faribault, MN, Auto Body Shop Upscales to New Spot

Written by Colton Kemp, Faribault Daily News
Published July 20, 2023

It’s been a quarter-century since Willy Malecha started his auto body business in his parents’ garage.

On July 17, the owner of Malecha’s Body Shop opened a building of his own at 190 20th St. NW in Faribault, MN, near the Rice County Fairgrounds and next door to the new Kwik Trip.

According to Willy, all the shop’s employees and even his family spent the weekend moving supplies into the new location, which is about four times the size of their old location. Willy’s wife, Ali, said they’d simply outgrown their old space.

“We

Texas City’s ‘Uber of Auto Care’ Wants to Transform Auto Repair Industry

Written by Amber Gaudet, Denton Record-Chronicle
Published July 20, 2023

When Erick King’s mom had an issue with her DodgeNitro in 2016, the family was expecting a simple repair. Several incorrect diagnoses and repairs later, the car was still on the fritz, and worse, the high costs of repair led to the King family’s eviction, after which they spent time living in the Nitro.

The situation sparked a desire for change among Erick and his brother, Timmothy, who co-founded TinMan Automotive in Denton, TX, alongside friend Adam Macias. The mobile auto repair company is hoping to

CarMax Settles with Maryland Over Unrepaired Recalls

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published July 20, 2023

CarMaxadvertises its “CarMax Quality Certified” used vehicles that have undergone a 125+ point inspection and a detailed reconditioning process.

As a seller of used vehicles, CarMax is not required to fix vehicles with "open recalls," meaning vehicles that have been recalled but remain unrepaired.

Federal laws do not require sellers of used vehicles to have those repairs performed before selling the cars.

But considering CarMax advertises its used vehicles as undergoing a "125+ point inspection," Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown saw a

CO Woman Tracks Down Stolen Car, Gets Shot

Written by Steven Symes, Motorious
Published July 19, 2023

If you use a GPS tracker to pinpoint where your stolen car has been taken, be careful when getting it back. A woman in Aurora, CO, learned that the hard way when she turned on the AppleAirTag hidden in her stolen 2020 KiaOptima, found it and was shot. 

According to KDVR, the woman tracked down the stolen Kia after it was swiped on the afternoon of July 9. That evening she went to get it back, but as she approached her vehicle, someone shot her in the hand. The woman then went to the hospital for treatment.

Later that same night, police spotted the Kia Optima and a chase

New York Republicans Push for Wind, Solar Fuel Alternatives

Written by Christian Wade, The Center Square
Published July 19, 2023

New York Republicans are urging the state to tap into renewable natural gas, green hydrogen and other alternative fuel sources as part of long-term plans to wean the state off fossil-burning energy sources. 

In a letter to members of the New York State Public Service Commission, the Senate's GOP minority argue the Climate Leadership and Community Preservation Act, a state law that requires New York to reduce emissions from the electric grid to net zero by 2040, means the state needs to diversify its clean energy mix beyond just wind and solar

Toyota, Lexus Vehicles Recalled Over Spiral Cables

By David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published July 19, 2023

Toyotaannounced a recall of about 116,000 vehicles that could lose their driver-side air bags due to problems with spiral cables.

The Toyota and Lexusrecall includes these models:

• 2023 Toyota Corolla
• 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross
• 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
• 2023 Toyota Highlander
• 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2023 Toyota Tacoma
• 2024 Lexus RX
• 2024 Lexus RX Hybrid

According to Toyota, the spiral cable assembly in the steering

Rivian Showroom to Open in Luxury Chicago Neighborhood

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published July 19, 2023

Rivianplans to open its first showroom in Chicago’s Gold Coast, marketed as an area for luxury lovers, befitting Rivian’s brand goals. 

Rivian will open a showroom at 871 N. Rush St. The EV automaker initially planned to open a showroom in the Fulton Market district a few years ago but backed out of the deal for undisclosed reasons. Its current location in the Gold Coast area might be more fitting.

“The Gold Coast is a luxury lover’s haven. Charming homes on picture-perfect streets, high-end boutiques and restaurants favored by celebrities past and present all give this

NJ Governor Moves to Implement EV Sales Mandate

Written by Christian Wade, The Center Square
Published July 19, 2023

New Jersey will require car manufacturers to ramp up sales of electric vehicles leading to a ban on the sale of new fossil fuel-powered vehicles by 2035 under new rules proposed by Gov. Phil Murphy.

Murphy announced July 17 he has filed the Advanced Clean Cars II proposal with the Office of Administrative Law that would, if approved, require vehicle manufacturers to make zero-emission vehicles an increasing percentage of their new light-duty vehicle sales, ramping up to 100% of vehicle sales by 2035.

By doing so, New Jersey joins New York, California and the European Union

Collision Engineering Program Expands to Nebraska School

PublishedJuly 19, 2023

Enterprise Holdings, through the Enterprise Holdings Foundation, on July 19 announced Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Omaha, NE, will offer the industry-leading Collision Engineering Program (CEP) curriculum as part of its existing auto collision technology program.

CEP, now active at seven schools across the U.S., is helping catalyze a new era of collision repair built upon a foundation of motivated, skillful and passionate workers committed to advancing alongside today’s rapid pace of vehicle technology. Founded by the Enterprise Holdings Foundation and Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, the program aims to help fill

Massive BendPak Industrial Complex Under Development in Alabama

PublishedJuly 18, 2023

Diversification is paying dividends for BendPak, Inc. Driven by exponential business growth from new products and markets, the global garage equipment manufacturer is developing a huge light industrial space on 33 acres in Mobile County, AL. The BendPak Industrial Complex will be located a couple miles from BendPak's recently expanded East

U.S. House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Federal Auto Repair Bills

PublishedJuly 18, 2023

The U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet on July 18 held a hearing on proposed bills in Congress regarding right to repair issues: the Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act, Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act and Fair Repair Act.

Led by U.S. Rep. Darrel Issa, R-CA, chairman of the subcommittee and lead co-sponsor of the SMART Act, which would expand consumer access to reliable auto parts for vehicle repair, members heard from witnesses about the economic impact of expanded repair options. 

“Design

Federal Government Providing Kansas $13.3 Million to Improve Electric Grid

Written by Tom Joyce, The Center Square
Published July 17, 2023

The U.S. Department of Energy will provide Kansas with $13.3 million to update its electrical grid infrastructure.

The funding comes from the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants program. The Kansas Corporation Commission will administer the funding, which it will use to modernize the state's power grid. The state also wants to use the money to protect the power grid against natural disasters while "advancing projects that attract, train and retain a skilled Kansas workforce," according to a press release from Gov. Laura Kelly's

Classic Collision Acquires New Shop in Tennessee

PublishedJuly 17, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing July 17, the acquisition of Dayton Collision Centerin Dayton, TN.

Dayton Collision Center has a wealth of experience in the collision repair industry and has been servicing Rhea County for several years.

“We have been the repair center of choice in Dayton by performing high quality repairs and providing a one-of-a-kind customer service experience. We are thrilled to continue that journey now as Classic Collision,” said Rich Ritchie, former owner of Dayton Collision Center.

“We are pleased to welcome the entire Dayton Collision Center team to the

Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas Receives Subaru Love Promise Retailer of the Year

PublishedJuly 14, 2023

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) on July 13 honored Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas of Las Vegas, NV, with the Subaru Love Promise Retailer of the Year Award for 2023, recognizing the retailer's ongoing commitment and support to their local community.

The award, now in its eighth year, goes to the Subaru retailer who has shown significant commitment to their customers and their community throughout the year, exemplifying the Subaru Love Promise.

"Being recognized as the Subaru Love Promise Retailer of the Year is a true honor and a heartfelt acknowledgement of our commitment to making a difference in

Bryan Riske Appointed to CAWA's Manufacturers' Advisory Council

PublishedJuly 14, 2023

Bryan Riske of First Brands Group has been appointed to CAWA’s Manufacturers’ Advisory Council. 

“I am pleased to announce that Bryan is joining the CAWA Manufacturers’ Advisory Council representing First Brands Group," 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."

Riske started his career in the aftermarket in 2016. He spent a significant amount of time in the tire industry,

CA Fix Auto Shop Hosts First Responders for Jaws of Life Demo

PublishedJuly 13, 2023

Several first responders from the Escondido and San Marcos, CA, fire departments recently participated in a hands-on jaws of life demonstration and educational event June 24 at Fix Auto Escondido. 

The demonstration was part of the National Auto Body Council® (NABC) F.R.E.E.™ program and served to educate the community on the advanced technology and tools needed to keep drivers safe in today’s modern vehicles. As vehicles have continued to evolve over the years, the technology and tools needed to repair them has seen a shift as well. 

“With the introduction of electric vehicles on the rise, it’s

Farmers Insurance Further Reducing Florida Business

Written by William Rabb, Insurance Journal
Published July 13, 2023

One month after it announced it would stop writing new homeowner policies in Florida, Farmers Insurance said it plans to cut back further on its presence in the hurricane-prone state.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation said July 11 it had received a “market reduction notice” from Farmers Insurance Group on July 10. But the information was marked as trade secret, per Florida insurance statutes, so details were not provided.

“We have advised the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation of our decision to discontinue offering Farmers-branded auto, home and umbrella policies

Consumer Survey Shows Strong Support for Federal Right to Repair Bill

PublishedJuly 13, 2023

The CAR Coalition on July 13 released a new survey that demonstrates strong support for federal vehicle right to repair legislation, highlighting the need for the bipartisan SMART (H.R. 1707) and REPAIR (H.R. 906) acts, which will ensure expanded repair options and consumer access to vehicle data. 

The new survey comes as lawmakers are scheduled to hold a hearing on right to repair issues July 18 in the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet. 

CAR Coalition Executive Director Justin Rzepkasaid the survey suggests consumers are aware

PHOTOS: Oceanside, CA, Brewery Hosts Cruise Night

PublishedJuly 13, 2023

South O Brewing Company in Oceanside, CA, hosted its monthly South O Cruise Night on July 12. 

The brewery, at 1575 S. Coast Highway, hosts the cruise in at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month. Low riders, hot rods, classics, muscle, sports and vintage cars are welcome. Craft beer and food trucks are also on site.

Photos by Autobody News' Kelly Cashman.

Illinois Motorcycle Group Opposed to Self-Driving Cars and Upcoming Testing

Written by Kevin Bessler, The Center Square
Published July 12, 2023

An Illinois motorcycle group is raising a red flag over planned testing of self-driving cars this summer.

Teslais hiring temporary test drivers around the country, including in Elgin, IL, who will be paid to drive their vehicles and report on their performance.

The automaker has always highlighted data collection from its fleet of millions of vehicles as one of its main advantages in autonomous vehicles. But recently, Tesla seems to be increasingly relying on internal testing.

"We are looking for a highly motivated self-starter to join

Kentucky Lands $153M Auto Project Creating Nearly 170 Jobs

Written by Steve Bittenbender, The Center Square
Published July 12, 2023

Kentucky landed yet another electric vehicle-related project when a Japanese company announced it would expand a plant in the central part of the state.

Hitachi Astemo Americas will invest $153 million in its Berea plant and create 167 new jobs, according to a release from Gov. Andy Beshear. The company is building a 752,000-square-foot expansion across 62 acres in Madison County.

Hitachi Astemo Americas President Tim Clarksaid the endeavor serves as “a bold step” toward the company’s commitment to supporting the development of

Passenger in 2003 Dodge Ram Killed by Recalled Takata Airbag

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published July 12, 2023

A 2003 DodgeRam 1500 owner who was riding in the front passenger seat of the truck was killed May 13 when the Takataairbag inflator exploded in a crash.

Fiat Chrysler (FCA) has issued a "DO NOT DRIVE" warning for 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks that have not had their Takata airbags replaced.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed the fatality was caused by a ruptured passenger-side Takata airbag inflator, and it involved one of 385,686 trucks recalled in 2015.

Like several automakers involved with Takata airbag recalls

Kia Georgia to Expand for EV9 Production

PublishedJuly 12, 2023

Kia Georgia's West Point assembly plant is undergoing a transformation that will allow for the assembly of the all-electric 2024 EV9 three-row SUV in the second quarter of 2024. 

This $200 million+ expansion will create nearly 200 additional jobs in Troup County with EV9 joining the Telluride, Sorento and Sportage SUVs and the K5 mid-size sedan as the fifth model to be assembled at Kia Georgia.

"Like Telluride, EV9 has the potential to be another 'game changer' for Kia," said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. "This will be the most sophisticated vehicle that we have ever built and will

CAWA Announces Another Automotive High School Teacher Scholarship Award Winner

PublishedJuly 12, 2023

CAWA, representing the automotive parts industry, is pleased to announce another recipient of its automotive high school teachers' scholarship awards. Through the Motorcar Parts of America-Selwyn Joffe Awards, CAWA provides scholarships to high school teachers to support their automotive programs. 

"CAWA is proud to assist automotive high school teachers, in part, to assure their programs remain viable and well-resourced for the benefit of their students and our industry," said Rodney Pierini, president and CEO, in announcing the award.

The recipient of the recent

Corporate Collision Centers Opens New Location in Northwest Houston

PublishedJuly 11, 2023

Corporate Collision Centers is proud to announce the opening of its new auto body repair center at 14800 Hempstead Road in Northwest Houston, TX.

This shop is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including on-site ADAS calibration and the revolutionary new PPGwater-based MoonWalk paint mixing system. Corporate Collision Centers was the fourth auto body repair shop in Houston to install this environmentally friendly, automated paint mixing system.

Corporate Collision Centers is staffed by highly trained technicians who are dedicated to providing the highest quality collision repair

State Farm Ordered to Pay $277K to TX Policyholder

PublishedJuly 11, 2023

In June, a jury in Rusk County District Court in Texas found State Farm had “knowingly or intentionally engaged in unfair and deceptive acts or practices” when it undervalued and then totaled a policyholder’s pickup truck in 2020, the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) said.

Joseph Collinshad taken his hail-damaged ToyotaTacoma to Burl’s Collision Center in Henderson, TX, wanting the truck repaired. Instead, State Farm decided it was a total loss. 

In Texas, to declare a total loss, the cost to repair the vehicle must exceed 100% of the vehicle’s cash value. The shop owner,

Highview Capital, B&R Auto Partner

PublishedJuly 11, 2023

Highview Capital, LLC, on June 29 announced a partnership with B&R Auto, a leading value-added provider of recycled automotive parts.

B&R Auto, headquartered in Oregon, is one of the nation’s largest independent auto recyclers. Founder-owned and operated by the Perlenfein family since 1980, B&R provides high quality recycled parts to automotive collision and repair centers and do-it-yourself customers. The company operates 19 locations across the Western U.S. focused on best-in-class dismantling processes, technology and customer service. B&R has established itself as an industry leader in the environmentally friendly

Western Energy Transmission Project Breaks Ground

Written by Chris Woodward, The Center Square
Published July 10, 2023

A new project that will transmit renewable energy across the Western U.S. broke ground in June.

U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and local officials attended a ceremony June 20 for the TransWest Express project, which broke ground in Carbon County, WY, and will move energy from Wyoming to California and improve grid reliability.

“The TransWest Express Project will play a major role in our nation’s energy security, ensuring that home-grown clean energy