As part of SEMA’s initiative to create a more robust career- and professional-development program year-round, the 2023 SEMA Show will feature a fully customizable hands-on education program that focuses on leadership and skill development, networking, exploration of emerging trends, and industry best practices. Attendees will be able to use this year’s program to jump-start and create a comprehensive year-long educational program.

"We want to support our attendees by offering a customizable learning journey for skill development and competency-based education inclusive of the Show and throughout the rest of the year," said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA director of education. "Our goal is to engage showgoers by creating high-energy learning

Maryland Auto Launches New Insurance Education Resource

PublishedJune 15, 2023

Maryland Auto has created a new resource for those exploring career opportunities in the insurance industry. Local programs are supported by reputable organizations like the Maryland Insurance Administration and the National Association of Insurance Professionals.

According to the University of Baltimore's website, the Maryland Insurance Administration has noted there is a talent gap in the insurance field, with jobs available in underwriting, marketing, human resources, technology and data analytics, and risk management.

Insurance professionals often find long-term career satisfaction. A recent article published

'MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge' Moves to New Location

PublishedJune 15, 2023

MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge is taking street-legal drag racing on famed Woodward Avenue to the center of downtown Pontiac, MI, as well as growing the overall footprint of the one-day horsepower festival. The popular enthusiast event is scheduled to take place Aug. 12.

MotorTrend Presents Roadkill Nights Powered by Dodge, which set a one-day attendance record of more than 40,000 attendees in 2022, will move the starting line for street-legal drag racing competition to the corner of Woodward Avenue and W. Pike Street in Pontiac.

"We can't wait to bring Roadkill Nights and

Washington State Official to Address Historic Increase in Auto Insurance Complaints

PublishedJune 15, 2023

Claims denied without a suitable explanation. Frustrating delays in hearing back from insurance companies. Initial app-based repair estimates coming in thousands of dollars below the final cost.

Washingtonians have been filing complaints about their auto and homeowners insurance issues at a record pace, and Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidlerannounced June 12 he’s hosting a workshop in July to hear from consumers, insurers and other parties on the reasons for the increase.

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner has reported a historic volume of complaints since 2021. The OIC’s

Scottsdale, AZ, Resident Receives NABC Recycled Ride

PublishedJune 14, 2023

On June 8, a deserving Scottsdale, AZ, resident was presented with a vehicle to provide her independence and the ability to work and take care of her family, thanks to the National Auto Body CouncilRecycled Rides® program along with car donor GEICO and Painter’s Collision Centers.

The recipient of the 2020 KiaSoul, Angelica Wells, was chosen by the Family Promise of Greater Phoenix. She became a mother when her sister passed away and she adopted her two children, ages 7 and 8. Then, she relied on her mother to care for the children while she worked. Sadly, her mother passed away

CT Man Admits Stealing and Selling Catalytic Converters

PublishedJune 14, 2023

Roberto Alicea, 31, of New Britain, CT, pleaded guilty June 13 before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford, CT, to offenses related to his participation in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring, announced Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement has been investigating the theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles across Connecticut. A catalytic converter contains precious metals, can easily be removed from its vehicle, and is difficult to trace, making it a

Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to $1.1 Million Insurance Fraud Conspiracy

PublishedJune 14, 2023

A Kansas City, MO, man who formerly lived in Columbia, MO, pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a $1.1 million insurance fraud conspiracy that involved false claims of injuries suffered in car accidents, as well as to his role in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief benefits.

Lawrence Courtney Lawhorn, 35, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps Jr. on June 8 to the charges contained in two separate federal indictments.

In the first indictment, Lawhorn pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to

NHTSA Tells Automakers Not to Comply with Massachusetts’ Right to Repair Law

PublishedJune 14, 2023

The National Highway and Transportation Safety Authority (NHTSA) on June 13 sent a letter to 22 automakers, telling them not to comply with a Right to Repair law recently enacted in Massachusetts, citing "significant safety concerns."

"While NHTSA has stressed that it is important for consumers to continue to have the ability to choose where to have their vehicles serviced and repaired, consumers must be afforded choice in a manner that does not pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety," the NHTSA said in the letter.

The law requires automakers to allow access to their vehicles' data, so owners can get

Feds Pledge Financial Backing to Philadelphia in Rebuilding I-95

Written by Anthony Hennen, The Center Square
Published June 13, 2023

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visited Philadelphia on June 13 to discuss the plan to rebuild Interstate 95 after a truck fire collapsed a portion of the northbound road.

“We’re going to continue to be here every step of the way for as long as it takes with both financial backing and any other technical support that’s needed,” Buttigieg said.

PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said an announcement on June 14 will offer more details on the timeline for rebuilding the heavily trafficked interstate used by 160,000 vehicles,

VW Gifts Damaged Vehicles to TN Collision Repair Programs

Written by Heather Mullinix, Crossville Chronicle
Published June 13, 2023

Students at Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Crossville, TN, and across the state will have the chance to apply their skills in collision repair on new model vehicles thanks to a donation from Volkswagen Group of America.

“We’re glad to make something good out of something that was initially not so good,” said Ian Leavy, Volkswagen assistant general council. “Anything we can do to help improve the general talent pool of the people who are going to be working on our vehicles is a positive.”

The vehicles were damaged in transit. They are all

NC Woman Says Her Insurance Company Totaled Her SUV for ‘Minor’ Damage

PublishedJune 13, 2023

A Charlotte, NC, resident told a local news station her 2016 ToyotaHighlander wound up being declared a total loss by her insurance company, after the repair estimate on what looked like a minor scrape and dent came to $17,000.

Meghan Murray told WCNC Charlotte she was in a hurry in December 2022 when she accidentally scraped the right side of her SUV along a

South Dakota to See Increase in EV Charging Stations 

Written by Baylee Peterson, Dakota News Now
Published June 13, 2023

While electric vehicle charging stations are few and far between in South Dakota, many say it shouldn’t discourage residents from purchasing an EV.

AAADirector of Auto Repair Bob Kazmierczak painted a picture of just how many EV charging stations there are in the state.

“There are 83 public EV charging stations in South Dakota and that equates to 204 charging ports,” said Kazmierczak.

While this might seem like a small number, Chris Studerwith East River Electric said it shouldn’t be discouraging to potential

Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge

PublishedJune 13, 2023

Nearly one-third (31%) of U.S. auto insurance customers say they experienced a rate increase during the past year, as the industry raises rates an average of 15.5% and insurers continue to fight the forces of record high loss ratios.

Auto insurers lost an average of 12 cents on every dollar of premium they collected in 2022---the worst performance in more than 20 years---leaving them few alternatives but to raise rates at the expense of customer satisfaction.

According to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, released June 13, satisfaction with auto insurance has dropped 12 points (on a 1,000-point

Kia Recalls 100K Sportage SUVs for Possible Power Brake Failure

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

Nearly 100,000 KiaSportage SUVs are recalled because they could lose their power brakes.

The recall involves 2023 Kia Sportage vehicles equipped with brake booster diaphragms that become misaligned which can cause internal vacuum leaks.

The SUV could lose its power brake assist which can cause extended stopping distances.

As a result of losing power brakes, the brake pedal will feel hard to press as a driver attempts to stop the Sportage.

In January, Kia determined a brake booster vacuum leak caused lean combustion diagnostic trouble

Lentz Appointed to CAWA's Manufacturers' Advisory Council

PublishedJune 12, 2023

Scott Lentz of MANN+HUMMEL–Purolator Filtershas been appointed to CAWA’s Manufacturers’ Advisory Council.

“I am pleased to announce that another pro in the aftermarket, Scott Lentz, 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."

Lentz has 28 years of automotive aftermarket experience, starting with DANA Corporation-Parts Craft

GM Investing $632 Million in Fort Wayne Assembly for Truck Production

PublishedJune 12, 2023

General Motors Co. announced June 12 plans to invest $632 million in Fort Wayne Assembly in Indiana to prepare the plant for production of the next-generation internal combustion engine (ICE) full-size light-duty trucks. 

This investment will enable the company to strengthen its industry-leading full-size truck business. Product details and timing related to GM’s future trucks are not being released at this time.

Today’s announcement brings GM’s U.S. manufacturing and parts distribution facility investment commitments to more than $31.6 billion since 2013.

"Today we are announcing a

Lordstown Planning to Bring Litigation Against Foxconn

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published June 9, 2023

Lordstown Motors has never had a smooth road, battling money issues, production bottlenecks and other issues, until it was saved by Foxconnin 2021. However, the EV startup is now planning to move forward with litigation against its lifeline in relation to Foxconn’s allegations of a potential breach of contract.

In May, Lordstown filed an 8-K with the SEC stating it received a letter from Foxconn in late April, accusing the automaker of breaching its investment agreement “due to its previously disclosed receipt of a notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC indicating that the company

Skilled Labor Shortage Impacts Southwest Minnesota

Written by Sawyer Drent, for The Globe
Published June 9, 2023

The U.S. is seeing a continued shortage of trade and skilled workers nationwide, and this is happening at the state and local level, in Worthington, MN.

Many businesses are looking for workers, many of which don’t require a college degree.

According to Minnesota State’s Careerwisewebsite, among 50 of the high demand jobs projected to grow in the state between now and 2026 are landscaping, maintenance, carpentry, freight, mechanics and construction workers. Some of these will require some schooling, while others use skills that can be learned right on the job site.

A look at

Mercedes-Benz Level 3 Automated Driving Tech Certified in California

PublishedJune 9, 2023

Mercedes-Benz announced June 8 its class-leading DRIVE PILOT system for SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving received certification from California state authorities. 

With this significant milestone, Mercedes-Benz is the first car manufacturer with authorization to introduce such a SAE Level 3 system in a standard-production vehicle for use on public freeways in the most populous state in the U.S. 

DRIVE PILOT will be available in the U.S. market as an option for model year 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS Sedan models, with the first cars delivered to customers in late

CAWA Announces 2023 Scholarship Winners

PublishedJune 9, 2023

CAWA, Representing the Automotive Parts Industry, is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2023 scholarship awards. 

CAWA provided more than $13,250 in scholarships this year to 13 individuals. Furthermore, each student will receive a $300 tool gift certificate compliments of CAWA member All Trade Tools. “Once again, CAWA is proud to assist these young people in pursuing their education and careers in the auto care industry”, said Rodney Pierini, president and CEO, in announcing the awards.

Recipients of this year’s scholarships are:

State Farm Facing Class Action Lawsuit Over Luxury Vehicle Repairs

By Mika Pangilinan, Insurance Business Magazine
Published June 9, 2023

State Farm has been hit with a class action lawsuit over allegations that it refused to cover the cost of repairs for luxury vehicles.

Filed in Broward County in Florida on May 18, the lawsuit stems from an incident involving Assaf and Ada Sasson, who owned an all-electric 2022 PorscheTaycan insured with State Farm for more than $100,000.

The Sassons’ vehicle was damaged in a May 2022 collision, which prompted them to seek repair services.

The vehicle was taken to a Porsche dealership and was then referred

GM Investing $500M+ in Arlington, TX, Assembly for Future SUVs

PublishedJune 8, 2023

General Motors Co. announced June 8 plans to invest more than $500 million in Arlington Assembly in Texas to prepare the plant for production of future internal combustion engine (ICE) full-size SUVs, subject to successful discussions with local government officials.

This investment will enable the company to strengthen its industry-leading full-size SUV business. Product details and timing related to GM’s future full-size SUVs are not being released at this time.

The announcement brings GM’s U.S. manufacturing and parts distribution facility investment commitments to more than $31 billion since 2013.

"Today

One-Third of a Carrier's Business Could be at Risk Following Auto Claims Experience

PublishedJune 8, 2023

LexisNexis® Risk Solutions on June 7 announced findings from its study examining the link between auto insurance claims and customer experience and retention. 

The study is comprised of two parts: consumer feedback from more than 1,400 insureds who experienced a claim within the past 12 months, coupled with an analysis of a customer's propensity to switch auto insurance carriers post-claim. Findings have been published in the whitepaper, ...

Toyota to Build New Automotive Battery Lab at Michigan R&D Headquarters

PublishedJune 8, 2023

Toyota Motor North America, Inc. announced June 8 it will invest nearly $50 million to construct a new laboratory facility at its North American R&D headquarters in York Township, MI, to evaluate batteries for electric and electrified vehicles in North America.

As part of its evaluation process, the new Michigan battery lab will ensure that Toyota's batteries meet North American customer requirements by confirming performance, quality and durability of automotive batteries made by Toyota. Operations at the new battery lab are expected to begin in 2025.

"This new investment in our North American

Topical Industry Issues Addressed During AkzoNobel Collision Industry Experts Event

PublishedJune 7, 2023

OEM technologies, building a high-performance team and maximizing estimating skills and profit were some of the educational sessions held during the AkzoNobelAcoat Selected Collision Industry Experts Event in April. About 300 collision repair professionals from 23 states and Mexico gathered in Orange County, CA, to address industry challenges, facilitate skills development and promote networking. Attendees included repairers from 188 shops, as well as employees, presenters, vendors and partners.

“The purpose of the event was to bring current, relevant industry training and educational sessions to Southern

Ford Hybrid Engine Problems Cause 2nd Recall of 125,000 Vehicles

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

Fordhybrid engine problems have caused a second recall of Ford Escape Hybrid, Ford Maverick Hybrid and LincolnCorsair Hybrid vehicles.

More than 125,000 recalled 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick and 2021-2023 Lincoln Corsair hybrids are equipped with 2.5L hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) engines.

Ford said the engine can prematurely fail and send oil and fuel vapors into the engine compartment and build up near hot engine or exhaust components. This is a good recipe for an engine compartment fire.

The

Tesla Model 3 Just Became Cheaper than Toyota Camry in California

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published June 7, 2023

The TeslaModel 3 just became less expensive than a ToyotaCamry in California thanks to the company’s confirmation that each of the all-electric sedan’s trim levels qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit.

In early June, Tesla changed the language on its Model 3 Design Studio to reflect updated tax credit qualifications, indicating all three configurations of the sedan qualified for the full tax credit amount.

Previously, only one variant, the Performance trim, qualified, while the other two builds were only set to receive half, of $3,750, of the total

New York City Sues Hyundai, Kia Over Easy-to-Steal Cars

Written by Thanos Pappas, CarScoops
Published June 7, 2023

A new development unfolded in the ongoing Hyundai and Kiavehicle theft controversy June 6, as New York City filed a lawsuit against the two Korean automakers, accusing them of negligence.

The complaint lodged in a Manhattan federal court depicts the absence of immobilizers in specific Hyundai and Kia models as being “exceptionally rare” within the automotive industry. It asserts this deficiency has “unleashed a wave of vehicle theft, rampant criminal activities, reckless driving and public endangerment.”

This legal action seeks unspecified compensatory damages and

Tesla Proposes $3.8 Million Donation for Roads Near Lithium Refinery

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published June 7, 2023

Teslaproposed a $3.8 million donation to improve roads near its lithium refinery in Robstown, TX, in Nueces County, to improve county roads 30, 79 and 81. 

Nueces County commissioners will discuss the proposal at their next meeting June 7. Commissioner John Marez explained the approval process is complicated. 

“That’s why it does have to go through the commissioner’s court to be able to review and accept the agreement. It will help the roads directly tied into their proposed plan or property they currently own in Nueces County,” he told a

Tesla Working with NHTSA on Model Y Steering Wheel Recall

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published June 6, 2023

Teslafiled a voluntary recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a potential Model Y recall affecting a little under 140 units.

The safety recall affects select Model Y vehicles with production dates between June 23, 2022, and May 1, 2023. It concerns the Model Y steering wheel attachment.

“The steering wheel on Model Y vehicles is attached to the steering column using a fastener. Manufacturing and service records suggest that there may be a correlation between certain manufacturing record characteristics and the fastener being installed but