Francis Energy Awarded Funds for EV Stations in IL

PublishedJune 6, 2023

Francis Energy, owner of the fourth-largest EV fast-charging network in the country, announced June 5 it has been awarded grant funds by the Illinois EPA to build and operate three new charging stations in high-traffic areas along the state’s highways, in Beach Park, Troy and LeRoy.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the state of Illinois to build safe, convenient, reliable and affordable public fast-charging infrastructure that will give EV drivers peace of mind as they travel across the state,” said Francis founder and CEO David Jankowsky. “Our comprehensive statewide network in Oklahoma is the model we

Memphis, TN, Man Charged with Trafficking Counterfeit Airbags

PublishedJune 6, 2023

Mohammed Al-Abadi, 51, of Memphis, TN, was indicted and arrested for one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods and one count of causing the criminal transportation of hazardous materials by air carrier, U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz announced May 17.

According to Ritz and the information presented in court, from about Oct. 1, 2019, to Jan. 14, 2021, Al-Abadi imported counterfeit motor vehicle airbag parts from China, assembled them and then sold them on eBay to unsuspecting automobile repair shops and individual customers. Federal agents recovered more than 2,000 counterfeit airbags and parts from the

Everyone in Collision Repair Process Plays a Part in Solving Problems with Supplements

Written by John Yoswick, Autobody News
Published June 6, 2023

Virginia shop owner Barry Dornsaid he doesn’t see “who is winning” as the time involved with processing supplements grows.

“My concern is that we all lose that trust with that customer,” Dorn said, during a panel discussion on supplements during this spring’s Collision Industry Conference (CIC). “They see a $1,000 photo estimate turn into a $20,000 blueprint. The trust is lost. The customer knows

Dealer Buy-Sell Activity Dips, but Busy Year Still Expected

Written by Auto Remarketing Staff
Published June 6, 2023

Don’t let the slower start to the year fool you into thinking dealership buy-sell will grow soft.

The number of dealerships acquired in the first quarter---approximately 82---fell 31% year-over-year, according to the latest Haig Report from Haig Partners, but the firm is anticipating an increase in buy-sell activity the rest of the year.

And the public dealer groups are buying non-U.S. dealerships and non-dealer companies at a record clip.

“Dealers have plenty of cash and are still making strong profits. Many groups are looking to reinvest their profits by acquiring

Federal Right to Repair Legislation Receives Landslide of Support

PublishedJune 6, 2023

Auto Care Association, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, CAR Coalition and SEMAare applauding a new group of bipartisan cosponsors of the REPAIR Act (H.R. 906), which will ensure choice, fairness and safety in the vehicle repair market.

Originally ...

Quality Collision Group Acquires Stuart’s Paint & Body in Plano, TX

PublishedJune 6, 2023

Quality Collision Group (QCG), a private-equity-backed venture of multisite OEM-certified collision repair centers, on June 6 announced the continued growth of its organization with the acquisition of Stuart’s Paint & Body.

QCG continues its strategic focus on building the nation’s largest and most trusted OEM-certified collision repair company by using an acquisition strategy that maintains the high standards, commitment and quality of service at the repair facilities it acquires.

Headquartered in Plano, TX, Stuart’s Paint & Body provides an expanded national footprint for QCG as it furthers

Stellantis Invests in CA Company’s Breakthrough EV Battery Technology

PublishedJune 5, 2023

Stellantis N.V. and Lyten, Inc. announced that Stellantis Ventures, the corporate venture fund of Stellantis, invested in Lyten to accelerate the commercialization of Lyten 3D Graphene™ applications for the mobility industry, including the LytCell™ lithium-sulfur EV battery, lightweighting composites and novel on-board sensing.

Lyten, a pioneer of 3D Graphene, will leverage the unique tunability of the material to enable enhanced vehicle performance and customer experience while decarbonizing the transportation sector.

Lyten’s tunable materials platform has demonstrated significant reductions

South Carolina Auto Body Shop Closes While Seeking New Location

PublishedJune 5, 2023

An auto body shop based in Horry County, SC, has to close while looking for a new site due to a rezoning request denial.

Avant Auto Repair has been operated by Sylvester Avant in his home’s backyard since 2007. According to local news station WMBF News, inquiries were made last year into the business’s zoning compliance, as Avant’s home is zoned residential-only.

Avant asked for a rezoning, but was denied. At a county council

Hyundai Donates $50,000 to Savannah, GA, Organizations

PublishedJune 5, 2023

Hyundai Motor America announced a new partnership with Savannah State University, and the continuation of its partnership with Memorial Health Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children's Hospital of Savannah and Safe Kids Savannah.

As Hyundai expands its presence in Georgia, the company seeks to invest back into the community by supporting organizations doing important work in the fields of education and safety. Ceremonial checks were presented to the two organizations in Georgia.

"Hyundai is committed to progress for humanity and improving the wellbeing of society, which includes supporting today's youth to prepare for a better

New ProColor Collision Body Shop Opens in Escondido, CA

PublishedJune 5, 2023

ProColor Collisionstrengthened its presence and service to the greater San Diego area with a new location in Escondido, CA.

The newest ProColor Collision is owned and operated by Benjamin Sanchez, who has worked in the collision industry for more than 20 years.

ProColor Collision Escondido is I-CAR Gold certified and outfitted with top-of-the-line equipment and an experienced team of customer service representatives and technicians. Located at 375 State Place, this new ProColor Collision location delivers technical acumen and an unwavering commitment to provide quality repairs to customers

Wren's Collision Group Acquires 2-Location Atlanta MSO

PublishedJune 5, 2023

Wren's Collision Group, a privately-owned collision repair MSO, announced June 5 it acquired Brian's Paint and Body, a two-location MSO in the metro Atlanta market, expanding its total number of locations to 13.

During the sale of Brian's Paint and Body, the utmost priority for Brian Trevena was ensuring the continued well-being of his team and customers, preferably through a family-run organization. This requirement was met by Wren's Collision Group.

Widely acknowledged by consumers and the collision repair industry as one of the leading privately-owned auto body repair companies in the southeast,

VIVE Collision Acquires Vinart Collision Center in PA

Published June 5, 2023

VIVE Collision successfully completed the acquisition of Vinart Collision Center in Allentown, PA, from the Vinart Family of Automobile Dealerships.

Vinart Collision Center will be renamed and continue operating as VIVE Collision of Lehigh Valley. Vinart Dealerships will retain ownership of its name and all other aspects of its retail automobile business.

The transaction includes a long-term partnership agreement whereby Vinart Dealerships and VIVE Collision will work together to support each organization’s operational activities in the region. The transaction, which marks VIVE’s entry into

GM to Invest $1 Billion in Flint, MI, Manufacturing Facilities  

PublishedJune 5, 2023

General Motors Co.announced June 5 plans to invest more than $1 billion in two of its Flint, MI, manufacturing sites---Flint Assembly and Flint Metal Center---to prepare those plants for production of the next-generation internal combustion engine (ICE) heavy-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 HD trucks are not being released at this time.

The announcement brings GM’s U.S. manufacturing and parts distribution facility investment commitments to more than $30.5 billion since

College Grad Found Car Repair Passion After Overcoming Homelessness

Written by Natay Holmes, ABC 10News
Published June 5, 2023

The auto industry is in need of more technicians, and Cuyamaca College in El Cajon, CA, is helping steer students in that direction through its auto technology program. The program works with partners, like GMand Ford, to get students into auto body shops and gain real-world experience outside of the classroom.

Of course, the college also has shops on campus where students can get hands-on experience.

ABC 10News spoke to a non-traditional college student who took advantage of this program; he's older and a father of four, but he used the knowledge

2015-2019 Lincoln MKC Recalled for Potential Under-Hood Fire Risk

PublishedJune 2, 2023

Ford Motor Company is advising customers of certain 2015-2019 model year LincolnMKC vehicles to park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures while the company supplies Ford dealers and Lincoln retailers with parts and repair instructions to resolve the issue.

On these vehicles, the location of the battery monitor sensor may make the sensor susceptible to damage when the battery or related electrical components are serviced. In the event of battery monitor sensor housing damage, an electrical short may develop in the sensor’s printed circuit board. If this happens, a lack of fusing in the sensor power

Classic Collision Adds New Location in Home State of Georgia

PublishedJune 2, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing June 2---the acquisition of Wright One Paint & Body in Augusta, GA.

Wright One Paint & Body was a family owned and operated collision repair center. It has been serving the C.S.R.A and its surrounding counties for 15 years. The goal at Wright One is to be there for the customer throughout the entire process.

“Our mission at Wright One Paint and Body has been to provide high quality repairs with excellent level of customer satisfaction and whole heartily believe that Classic Collision will uphold our mission,” said Harold Wright, former

Driven Brands Collision Group Holds EDGE Performance Group Meeting in Denver

PublishedJune 1, 2023

The Driven Brands proprietary EDGE Performance Group (EPG), originally founded by CARSTAR, is now encompassing additional brands from the Driven Brands family as the organization grows. The inaugural Driven Brands EPG meeting was held recently at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center in Denver, CO.

More than 100 locations from the CARSTAR and Abranetworks were represented at the event, including franchise owners, managers, repair professionals, vendors and corporate team members.

The Driven Brands EPG program continues to drive performance improvements across the

Dynamic Automotive Expands into Mount Airy, MD

PublishedJune 1, 2023

Dynamic Automotive, an award-winning Frederick County, MD, automotive repair company, announced it opened its sixth location in Mount Airy, effective June 1. 

The new location will operate out of the recently acquired Twin Ridge Auto and Light Truck Service, Inc.shop on Rising Ridge Road. 

“We didn’t take this decision lightly, and we wouldn’t be leaving if we weren’t positive our customers will continue to be in good hands,” said Scott Elliott, co-owner of Twin Ridge Auto and Light Truck Service, Inc. “Dynamic Automotive shares our dedication to our community, and we believe our customers will

Hyundai Donates 4 Santa Cruz Vehicles to City of Santa Cruz Marine Safety Division

PublishedJune 1, 2023

Hyundaicelebrated both National Public Works Week and National Beach Safety Week on May 25, where four Hyundai vehicles were donated to support the Marine Safety Division's work of keeping beachgoers safe in the City of Santa Cruz, CA.

With an approximate value of $164,000, the four-vehicle donation is the largest vehicle donation to a city by Hyundai Motor America to date.

"Santa Cruz comes with powerful and efficient engines and superb maneuverability to ensure it is a pleasure to drive in urban or off-road environments," said Trevor Lai, senior manager, product planning,

Ranger Design Expands Fleet Upfit Operations North Charleston, SC 

PublishedJune 1, 2023

Ranger Design, a leading manufacturer and service provider of innovative fleet upfit solutions and commercial van equipment, opened a new fleet-upfitting and manufacturing facility in North Charleston, SC. 

This new facility is Ranger Design’s third expansion in the past 10 years, adding to sites in Rochester, NY, Seattle, WA, and Montreal, Canada.

“Our geographic expansion into the southeast U.S. and the build-out of our fleet upfit solutions capabilities are a significant part of our overall growth plan. It positions us for new opportunities and enables us to better serve our current

Ford, Uber Launch Mustang Mach-E Flexible Lease Pilot in CA Cities

PublishedJune 1, 2023

FordNext is collaborating with Uberto deliver a new lease option for rideshare drivers going electric.

Called Ford Drive, the pilot program offers flexible access to Ford Mustang Mach-E models and has launched in San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles, CA. Ford Drive’s Los Angeles vehicle deliveries began June 1.

A flexible lease allows rideshare drivers to select their Mustang Mach-E for between one- and four-month increments, depending on the location. The vehicle is delivered to the driver within two weeks, and they use the Ford Drive app to manage payments and service.

In each city, the

CA Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Identity of VA Auto Shop Owner

Published June 1, 2023

A Los Angeles, CA, man pleaded guilty May 23 to fraud and identity theft charges in connection with stealing the identity of the owner of a Richmond, VA, auto shop, Lotsey & Hardy Tire Company.

According to court documents, around January 2022, Daniel Cruz, 30, obtained the owner’s personal information and used that information to take over the auto shop and its owner’s accounting software, bank accounts, email addresses and phone numbers.

Through approximately February 2023, armed with this sensitive information, Cruz re-routed calls placed to Lotsey & Hardy to his own phone, transferred

Colorado Hikes EV Tax Credit to $5,000 On Top of $7,500 Federal Credit

Written by Dan Mihalascu, InsideEVs
Published June 1, 2023

Colorado will soon become the state with the most generous EV tax credits in the U.S., offering electric vehicle buyers a $5,000 credit that can be stacked with up to $7,500 in federal incentives.

The Colorado legislature passed several bills in May designed to help accelerate the adoption of cleaner transportation, complementing the Inflation Reduction Act and American Recovery Act to incentivize consumers to buy new electric vehicles and home appliances.

Gov. Jared Polis signed HB23-1272, which not only increases and extends the state EV tax credit

LG Energy Solution, Hyundai to Build EV Battery Plant in Georgia

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published June 1, 2023

LG Energy Solution (LGES) and Hyundaiare teaming up to build a battery cell manufacturing plant in Savannah, GA. 

Hyundai Motor Group and LGES signed a memorandum of understanding on May 26 in Seoul, Korea. Each company will hold a 50% stake in the joint venture for the U.S.-based battery plant. The companies plan to invest more than $4.3 billion in the battery facility. 

The parties agreed to produce EV batteries so Hyundai could accelerate its electrification efforts in North America. The battery plant would allow Hyundai EVs to qualify for the

Speakers Announced for CIECA CONNEX 2023 Conference

PublishedMay 31, 2023

CIECAannounced its speakers for the annual CONNEX 2023 Conference, being held Sept. 12-13 in Bloomington, IL.

In addition to a line-up of insightful thought leaders, there will be networking opportunities, a vehicle gifting ceremony by the National Auto Body Council® (NABC) as part of its Recycled Rides® program, CIECA’s open annual meeting and a tour of electric vehicle company Rivian’s manufacturing facility.

This year’s theme is "Connected Car, Connected Industry," and will be emceed by industry veteran Bill Garoutte. All industry stakeholders, including CIECA members and

Toyota to Build New EV SUV Powered by Batteries Built in NC

PublishedMay 31, 2023

Advancing its commitment to vehicle electrification and building where it sells, Toyotawill assemble an all-new, three-row, battery electric SUV at Toyota Kentucky starting in 2025. The company's first U.S.-assembled BEV will be powered by batteries from Toyota North Carolina.

The new battery plant, which is currently under construction, will receive an additional $2.1 billion investment to support the company's drive toward carbon neutrality.

"We are committed to reducing carbon emissions as much as possible and as soon as possible," said Ted Ogawa, president and chief executive officer, Toyota Motor

Seat Belt Problems Cause Recall of 175,000 Ford Broncos

By David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published May 31, 2023

FordBronco front seat belt problems have caused a recall of more than 175,000 Broncos with five-door body styles.

The 2021-2023 Broncos have front seat belt latch plates which may be difficult to access from their stowed positions.

"The stowed position of the latch plate, as determined by the seat belt webbing sewn loop, is in a position that does not have enough space between the seat back and the interior trim to allow the test block unhindered access to the latch plate," Ford said.

The government contacted Ford in May about a 2023 Bronco five-door vehicle that had

Toyota Corolla Cross Recall: Don't Sit in Front Passenger Seat

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published May 31, 2023

A ToyotaCorolla Cross recall involves nearly 110,000 non-hybrid SUVs, and Toyota warned not to allow anyone to sit in the passenger seats until the Corolla Cross SUVs are repaired.

The recalled 2022-2023 Corolla Cross SUVs have passenger airbags that may not deploy properly.

Toyota said the Corolla Cross vehicles may have manufacturing errors in the instrument panels where the airbags are located.

About 96,000 Toyota Corolla Cross SUVs are recalled in the U.S., and more than 13,800 in Canada.

Toyota didn't provide many details about the recall,

Crash Champions Sponsoring Collision Engineering Program Students at IL School

PublishedMay 31, 2023

The industry-leading Collision Engineering Program (CEP) on May 31 announced a new partnership with Crash Champions, one of the country’s largest collision repair multi-shop operators (MSO), to sponsor eight CEP students from College of Lake County (CLC) in Grayslake, IL. 

Using the apprenticeship model founded by Enterprise Holdings Foundation and Ranken Technical College, CEP students will apprentice at local Crash Champions repair centers throughout their two-year program, working alongside and learning from professional mentors in the industry.

As part of CEP’s emphasis on

Judge Denies Automakers' Request to Block Right to Repair Law in MA

PublishedMay 31, 2023

Massachusetts' Right to Repair Law will go into effect June 1, after a federal judge on May 30 denied a motion by an automaker-backed trade group to block it until a final decision has been issued in a case brought by the trade group after state voters approved the law in 2020.

The trade group, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, had filed the motion May 25 asking U.S. District Judge Douglas Woodlock to stop Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell from enforcing the Right to Repair law. Campbell announced in March she would take action to implement the law beginning June 1,