States' Legislatures Adapt to EVs

Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square
PublishedMay 30, 2023

As President Joe Biden’s administration wants 50% of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030, some states are pushing bills to subsidize the industry.

In an analysis of state legislatures by The Center Square staff, actions so far this year in multiple states offer recognition to the emergence of the industry---whether trying to make up tax revenue shortfalls or simply boosting the move away from gas and diesel automobiles.

There is a bill pending and expected to become law in Illinois that would join others passed in Tennessee and Texas. Virginia's attempt to break away

Michigan Announces Push to Achieve Global Semiconductor Superiority

PublishedMay 30, 2023

The Great Lakes State is launching its largest-ever campaign to promote careers, recruit talent and attract new businesses to fill jobs in Michigan’s thriving semiconductor industry, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II announced May 24.

Joined by Michigan education and business leaders along with the head of the Michigan Development Economic Corporation’s Talent Solutions Team, Gilchrist outlined Michigan’s plan to achieve superiority in the global semiconductor industry during a virtual press conference.

“Michigan is going all in to make it clear that our talented people make our state the best place to start

PA Students’ Efforts Become a Transportation ‘Gift’

PublishedMay 30, 2023

Twenty-one students from Pottsgrove, Spring-Ford and Upper Perkiomen high schools, all learning auto body repair skills at the Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center in Limerick, PA, gave a gift of transportation freedom May 20 to an area family.

Students taught by collision repair instructor Charles “Chuck” Smith worked during a period of two academic years to complete the occasionally monumental task of bringing a damaged automobile back to usable life.

They weren’t alone in the job. Many underwriters, including local collision and body shops, parts suppliers, other retailers and those who believe in the

MINI Cooper Recall Issued Over Risk of Fires

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published May 30, 2023

A MINICooper recall involves more than 119,000 vehicles due to a risk of fires from short circuits in the footwells.

The electronic control module in the driver-side footwell may suffer from a short-circuit due to water and road salt that leads to corrosion.

The MINI Cooper recall includes these models:

• 2008-2014 MINI Cooper Clubman
• 2008-2014 MINI Cooper S Clubman
• 2008-2014 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman
• 2007-2013 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2-Door
• 2007-2013 MINI Cooper

Automakers Seek to Block Enforcement of MA Right to Repair Law 

PublishedMay 30, 2023

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing automakers, on May 26 asked a federal judge to stop Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell from enforcing a Right to Repair law originally approved by the state's voters in November 2020.

Campbell ...

Central Oregon Community College to Get Federal Funding for EV Tech Training Program

PublishedMay 26, 2023

Central Oregon Community College (COCC) was awarded nearly $3 million to help expand the electric vehicle (EV) technician workforce, Oregon’s U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced May 16. The funding comes from the National Science Foundation and will support COCC’s Northwest Engineering and Vehicle Technology Exchange (NEVTEX).

“The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. So it is imperative that we transition away from gasoline-powered vehicles, which are fanning the flames of the crisis,” said Merkley. “Ensuring we have

Ray’s CARSTAR in CT Hosts Community Day with Elite Athlete, Car Show

Published May 26, 2023

CARSTARrecently hosted a community day at Ray's CARSTAR, located at 137 Terryville Road, Bristol CT 06010.

The community day event held May 13, gave Bristol residents the chance to see the Ray’s CARSTAR facility and mingle with neighboring residents, and the opportunity to meet Donovan Clingan, member of the 2023 NCAA UConn men’s basketball championship team. Attendees could also enjoy a vintage car show, made possible through loaned vehicles from the community.

Following a standout season for the University of Connecticut men’s basketball, Ray’s CARSTAR capitalized on the community

Dallas Veteran Receives Refurbished Vehicle from NABC Recycled Rides® Program

PublishedMay 26, 2023

On May 20, a deserving Dallas area veteran was presented with a vehicle to provide her independence and the ability to work once she graduates in June, thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program, along with car donor Allstateand repair partners Maaco Wylie and Maaco Plano.

The presentation was held at the Maaco Wylie Auto Body Shop and the deserving recipient was selected by the VA Medical Center.

“It is an honor to present a NABC Recycled Ride to this deserving veteran and help her continue her path forward,” said Jennifer Hubbard,

Judge Calls NY Auto Body Shop Embezzler ‘Unfixable’ at Sentencing

PublishedMay 25, 2023

A woman with a criminal history of embezzling money was sent back to prison by Dutchess County Court Judge Edward McLoughlin.

Suzanne Whitman pled guilty to embezzling more than $700,000 from Fishkill Auto Body in Beacon, NY, where she was the bookkeeper. In an intricate scheme involving the manipulation of entries into the accounting software, Whitman admitted she stole money from the company between December 2019 and May 2022.

Whitman was also sentenced to prison for a grand larceny charge stemming to a mortgage fraud indictment that charged her and Robert

Lordstown Motors Test Vehicle Catches Fire at Foxconn Plant

Written by Dan O'Brien, Business Journal
PublishedMay 25, 2023

Lordstown Motors Corp. confirmed May 22 that a non-salable Endurance pickup test vehicle caught fire May 21 at Foxconn’s manufacturing plant in Lordstown, OH.

The all-electric Endurance was in storage at the site, and the company is investigating the cause, according to a statement.

“Emergency protocols were followed and the Lordstown Fire Department was called to the scene,” according to Lordstown Motors. “No one was injured and the company will investigate the cause of the fire.”

Firefighters were called to the plant at 7:32 p.m. May 21, said

Safelite Group Acquires New Angle Glass

PublishedMay 25, 2023

Safelite® Group, owner of Safelite AutoGlass®, announced May 24 an agreement to acquire the auto glass assets of New Angle Glass operating in the Boston, MA, area. The transaction was completed May 19.

“As we continue to grow and reach even more customers, we’re proud to provide the quality services they expect from Safelite,” said Renee Cacchillo, president and CEO of Safelite Group. “Our New Angle Glass team members will contribute to our future success, and we’re glad they are joining us.”

The combined businesses will work together to grow a successful caring business offering vehicle glass repair,

PHOTOS: Electrify Expo Kicks Off Nationwide Tour in Long Beach, CA

PublishedMay 23, 2023

Electrify Expo, North America’s largest electric vehicle (EV) festival, brought fun for all ages to Long Beach, CA, for an action-packed weekend, May 20-21 at the Long Beach Convention Center.

This was the first date on Electrify Expo’s 2023 tour. The next stop is June 24-25 in San Francisco, CA. Upcoming additional stops include Washington, D.C., New York, Seattle, Miami and Austin, TX. Tickets are available to purchase in person and online at www.electrifyexpo.com.

Attendees at this year’s Electrify Expo stops will

TSTC Program Immerses Students in Art of Auto Refinishing

PublishedMay 23, 2023

The color of a vehicle can make a statement, but getting the perfect shade can be a challenge.

Texas State Technical College’s auto collision and management technology program offers a refinishing component for students who have an interest in auto body work and painting. The program is taught in a hybrid format, with students watching lectures online and doing hands-on labs on campus.

“Most students come in and never have held a paint gun or worked in a shop,” said William Graham, a program instructor.

The Program

All students wear personal protective equipment when working

Crash Champions Opens New Tampa Repair Center

PublishedMay 23, 2023

The Crash Champions Collision Repair Team on May 23 announced the opening of a new high quality collision repair center in Lutz, FL. The new facility is located at 26430 Pine Creek Drive.

The announcement expands Crash Champions’ leading network across the state, which includes 50 high-quality collision repair centers and supplements its nationwide network of more than 600 locations in 36 states.

“On the heels of an historic year of growth in 2022, the opening of a new high-quality repair center in the Tampa market is another proud step forward for our team,” said Matt Ebert, Crash Champions founder and CEO. “This is

Electrify Commercial to Install 20 Fast-Charging EV Stations in Utah

PublishedMay 22, 2023

Electrify Commercial on May 17 announced plans to support Rocky Mountain Power, a division of PacificCorp, with the installation of 20 EV charging stations in Utah. The project will include more than 80 individual chargers at 15 stations in the Salt Lake City area and five stations in surrounding regions, a total of 20 charging stations.

As a business unit of Electrify America, Electrify Commercial provides customized end-to-end EV charging solutions to businesses, utility companies, fleet owners, travel centers and convenience stores.

The new charging stations, owned by Rocky Mountain

Tesla Owner Wants Answers After Model Y Catches Fire, Gets Totaled

Written by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs
Published May 22, 2023

On May 6, a TeslaModel Y reportedly caught fire in California. While driving on the freeway onramp, the driver thought he had a flat tire. However, when he got out to check, there was smoke around the car, and then flames underneath.

Tesla's customer service has reportedly been difficult to deal with related to the situation.

The Model Y driver, Bishal Malla, said he was out running some errands and the Tesla started to shake, which is why he assumed there was something wrong with the tire. It wasn't long before the entire Model Y was up in flames.

Recycled Rides Presents Van to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio

PublishedMay 22, 2023

On May 18, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program, along with car donor Hertzand repair partner Gerber Collision & Glass, presented a 2020 FordCargo Van to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio. The van will help with the transportation needs of the facility, including bringing in supplies for visiting families.

“We are thrilled to work with Hertz and Gerber Collision & Glass to provide a needed cargo van for RMHC. This is a great opportunity for us to help one of the leading Columbus organizations helping families,” said

Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show Hosts Successful Second Annual Event

Written by Cole Strandberg, Autobody News
Published May 22, 2023

The Midwest Collision Repair Trade Show was held May 19-20 in Kansas City, MO. Despite being only in its second year, the event expanded its trade show floor and attracted top industry speakers and regional shop operators.

Hosted by several auto body associations, including the Missouri Auto Body Association, Kansas Auto Body Association, Nebraska Auto Body Association (NABA), South Dakota Auto Body

Nearly 713,000 Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain SUVs Recalled

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published May 19, 2023

A 2020-2023 ChevroletEquinox and GMCTerrain recall includes nearly 713,000 SUVs that may have problems with their child seat systems.

According to General Motors, the four rear seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have too much powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars.

Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain owners are advised to install child seats using the rear seat belts until the vehicles are repaired.

"On March 13, 2023, Transport Canada notified GM Canada that a 2022 GMC

Classic Collision Adds New Locations in Texas and North Carolina

PublishedMay 19, 2023

Classic Collision, LLC, announced four new closings May 19, the acquisition of David Collision Repair in Georgetown, TX, and CARSTAR Jerry Rhynes Collisionin Albemarle, Charlotte and Pineville, NC.

Since 1978, David Collision Repair, Inc., has been providing drivers throughout Georgetown with quality auto body repair services at affordable prices.

“We have been passionate about our work and always go the extra mile to ensure your complete satisfaction and believe that Classic Collision will continue this approach with customers,” said Larry David, former owner of David

Hyundai, Kia Resolve Class Action Lawsuit Brought in Response to Thefts

PublishedMay 18, 2023

Hyundai Motor America and Kia America, Inc. on May 18 announced they have entered into an agreement to resolve class action litigation with owners of certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices.

The agreement, which could be valued at approximately $200 million depending on how many customers elect to participate, will provide cash compensation for customers who incurred theft-related vehicle losses or damage not covered by insurance, in addition to reimbursement for insurance deductibles, increased insurance premiums and other theft-related

Minnesota Auto Repair Shop Named Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year

Written by Amanda Lillie, Austin Daily Herald
Published May 18, 2023

When Jose Carrazco first opened West Oakland Auto Repair in Austin, MN, all he wanted was to keep himself employed doing something he enjoys. Now, 11 years later, the U.S. Small Business Administration has named him the 2023 SBA Minnesota Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year. 

“We were just a couple guys who were trying to keep busy and create their own employment,” Carrazco said. “We kept growing as time passed by. When we talk to other business owners and our friends and I see their reaction, it’s like, ‘Wow, this has got to be big.’”

40% of Insured Drivers Are Stressed About Affording Their Car Insurance

PublishedMay 17, 2023

With the annual inflation rate still at 5%, Americans are paying higher prices for everything---and essential financial services are no exception. In fact, an exclusive new survey reports 43% of insured drivers in the U.S. are paying more for their car insurance than they were last year at this time.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, 40% of insured drivers say they're stressed about being able to afford car insurance, a requirement for drivers in most states, adding to the broader anxiety Americans feel around the pressures on their wallets. This is especially true with many millennials and Gen Z---more than half (55%) of drivers age 18

Maryland Calibration Consumer Protection Law Enacted

Written by Seth Maiman, AGSC Director of Public Affairs
Published May 17, 2023

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on May 8 signed the state’s new auto glass calibration rules into law. The new law, which was passed by the legislature in April, goes into effect Oct. 1.

In 2021, Maryland passed an auto glass safety law, which mirrors the AGRSS Standard, and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration is working on an update to the state safety standard that would incorporate the 2022 AGRSS Standard update and the new 2023 calibration law into the current regulations.

The new calibration law will require glass shops to inform customers,

Alarmingly High Number of Cars with Urgent Recalls Remain Unrepaired

PublishedMay 17, 2023

More than 2.5 million vehicles that have been tagged with "do not drive" or "park outside" safety recalls remain unrepaired as of May 1, CARFAXdata shows. Ten states have more than 70,000 of these vehicles driving on their roads, with California leading the way.

1. California: 245,000
2. Texas: 242,000
3. Florida: 237,000
4. New York: 118,000
5. Pennsylvania: 106,000
6. Ohio: 101,000
7. Georgia: 96,000
8. Illinois: 92,000
9. North Carolina: 85,000
10. Arizona: 71,000

"Despite efforts by state and federal governments---and the auto industry

Fix Auto Kearny Mesa Named Top Shop by Automobile Club of Southern California

PublishedMay 17, 2023

Fix Auto Kearny Mesa has been recognized for its outstanding performance in 2022, earning the Top Shop by the Automobile Club of Southern California award.

Having joined the Fix Auto USA network of owners just over three years ago, the facility, owned by Bryan Wendt, has been making strides to grow its operations and provide an exceptional level of repair quality and service to its valued community. In addition to receiving the Top Shop recognition, Fix Auto Kearny Mesa was also recognized in the top three out of all member-preferred repairs (MPR) shops in Southern

North Dakota Body Shop Brothers Embrace Family-First Mindset

PublishedMay 17, 2023

As the saying goes, the families that repair together, stay together. At least that’s how the saying goes for Jeremyand Matt Buller, brothers and owners of three North Dakota Abra Auto Body locations: Abra Auto Body Bismarck, Abra Auto Body Mandan and Abra Minot.

Family Values

Family isn’t just about the two of them. It’s also about Abra’s overarching approach to growing the business with top talent in place.

Matt and Jeremy’s interest in the industry began when they would fix cars on their family farm during their childhood. What

ASA Calls on Texas Legislature to Oppose Bill to Eliminate Vehicle Inspections

PublishedMay 17, 2023

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) called on the Texas State Senate to oppose House Bill 3297, which would eliminate the state’s vehicle safety inspection program for non-commercial vehicles.

On May 15, the State Affairs Committee passed HB 3297 on an 8-3 vote. However, earlier in this legislative session, the Texas Senate Transportation Committee rejected SB 684---a similar bill---by a vote of three in favor and five against.

Research, including a study commissioned by the legislature in 2017, unequivocally demonstrated regular testing of a vehicle’s tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights and

Texas House Passes ‘Fair Appraisal’ Bill, Sends to Senate

PublishedMay 16, 2023

After the Texas House on May 9 passed a bill establishing a fair appraisal process for damaged cars, the state Senate will now consider it.

Texas Watch and the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) are asking residents to support HB 1437 and its companion bill in the Senate, SB 554, and to ask their representatives in the Legislature to do the same.

With less than two weeks left in the session, the organizations are giving it their all to get the bills across the finish line.

The bills make fair auto appraisal mandatory in Texas auto policies, ABAT said. HB 4194 makes clear rules for appraisal so

Delaware State Supreme Court Reverses Ban on Tesla Store Sales

Written by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs
Published May 16, 2023

The Delaware Supreme Court officially reversed an earlier decision that made it illegal for Teslato have a store in the state to sell its electric cars. Now, Tesla can own its own "dealership" and move forward with its direct-to-consumer sales strategy in the state.

Tesla still can't sell its EVs in several U.S. states since it relies on direct sales. Essentially, lawmakers in the states that oppose Tesla sales believe the company would be breaking the law by owning its own dealerships and selling its own cars without a middle man. In such states, Tesla would have to agree to use a