Security Fix Doing Little to Slow Down Hyundai, Kia Theft Rates

PublishedMay 9, 2023

The software Hyundaiand Kiareleased nearly three months ago to prevent vehicles built without engine immobilizers being stolen has so far not made a dent in theft rates, the Associated Press reported May 9.

The AP analyzed data from seven U.S. cities, which it said shows the number of thefts is, in fact, still growing. Only Denver reported a decline in the theft rate of Kias and Hyundais compared to 2022---23%---but its rate is still high.

Part of the issue is the slow rollout; only about 5% of eligible Kias and 6% of Hyundais have received the update, the AP said.

The trend began in

If collision professionals want to dominate, they need to “Be Extraordinary,” according to Mike Anderson, owner of Collision Advice. To do so, he said repairers must deliver an extraordinary customer experience, research OEM repair procedures, keep up with new developments and grow a team where people want to be part of the organization.

“In today’s collision repair industry, it is no longer enough to just be average,” said Anderson during a presentation held in April during the Southeast Collision Conference in Virginia. “You have to be extraordinary!”

When Anderson

The ‘Anti-Steer’ Educates Consumers About Insurance Company Steering 

Written by Ed Attanasio, Autobody News
PublishedMay 9, 2023

Dennis Douglas has a statue of a steer in front of his auto body shop, Finish Line Collision and Customs in Redding, CA. He calls it his “anti-steer.” 

It features a series of messages, all of which say basically the same---steering is wrong. The main one puts it in simple terms: "Is Your Insurance Company Full of Bull? Don’t Let Their Referral Get You a Bum Steer!”  

Douglas, 60, is in the

Dan Rader Appointed to CAWA’s Manufacturers' Advisory Council

PublishedMay 9, 2023

Dan Rader of Mevotechhas been appointed to CAWA’s Manufacturers' Advisory Council.

“We are pleased to have Dan join our leadership team and contribute to our discussions of current and future industry issues," said Young Suhr Jr., chair of the Board of Directors. “We look forward to his participation and contributions which will assist the association in achieving its goals as an effective and valuable automotive aftermarket industry organization."

Rader is the U.S. sales team’s vice president of sales for Mevotech. He will focus on the U.S. WD business and new business

CARSTAR Owner Opens 2 Locations in New Jersey

PublishedMay 9, 2023

CARSTARis proud to announce the opening of two locations in New Jersey, CARSTAR Proline Auto Body of Pinebrook and CARSTAR Proline Body & Chassis.

Todd Fontana has decades of experience in the automotive repair industry and is the owner of both CARSTAR Proline Auto Body of Pinebrook and CARSTAR Proline Body & Chassis. Fontana has always had an interest in cars. His interest developed even further when he turned 18 and bought himself a 1969 PontiacFirebird for his birthday. This car quickly became both a passion project and learning opportunity for Fontana, who taught himself how to make all

Thieves Swipe Classic Cars from CO Storage Facility

Written by Steven Symes, Motorious
Published May 8, 2023

Two classic cars were swiped from a storage facility in Colorado Springs, CO, along with other valuables.

According to a report from KRDO, the thieves exploited an unlocked storage unit. Once inside, they broke through the plywood walls into other storage units in the same block, pilfering whatever they

Group Urges Road Enhancements in IL to Prevent Traffic Deaths

Written by Zeta Cross, The Center Square
Published May 8, 2023

When it comes to car crashes and traffic deaths, some say smart road design can save lives.

Dave Simmons, executive director of bike rider advocacy group Ride Illinois, said 1,280 people died in traffic crashes in Illinois in 2022. Across the U.S. in 2022, 42,795 people died in motor vehicle crashes.

“A stunning number of deaths,” Simmons said. “Our friends at Families for Safe Streets say that that is equivalent to the crash of a medium-sized passenger jet every single day.”

The good news is that 54 fewer people died in Illinois traffic

Ford Recalls 2004-2006 Rangers to Replace Airbags

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published May 8, 2023

A Ford Ranger airbag recall involves about 232,000 trucks that previously received front passenger airbag inflator replacements.

But 2004-2006 Ford Ranger owners will have to go through all of it again because Ford says the replacement inflators may not have been installed properly.

Ford opened an investigation into reports of airbags that weren't installed correctly in previously recalled trucks. Ford said there were detailed work instructions and diagrams for proper airbag inflator installation.

According to Ford, a third-party mobile repair team discovered an

ASE Education Foundation Seeking Nominations for Instructor Award

PublishedMay 8, 2023

Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Bryl Shoemaker/ASE Education Foundation Instructor of the Year. The award recognizes a high school or college instructor from an ASE accredited automotive, diesel/truck or collision repair program who demonstrates excellence through their personal dedication and commitment to the young men and women who have chosen to pursue a technical career in the automotive service industry.

“There are many individuals within automotive service education whose contributions continue to influence and inspire long after they are gone. Such an individual was Byrl Shoemaker,

Crash Champions Founder & CEO is EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Midwest Finalist

PublishedMay 8, 2023

Crash Champions on May 8 proudly announced founder and CEO Matt Ebert has been named a finalist for the 2023 Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur Of The Year® Midwest Award.

Now in its 37th year, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award is one of the most competitive and esteemed recognitions, celebrating transformative leaders of high-growth companies building a better world.

Ebert was selected alongside 35 Midwest finalists representing the region’s preeminent, high-growth businesses. As a finalist, Ebert, who was also recently named the MSO Executive of the Year in 2022, will

AASP-MN Awards Scholarships to Automotive Students

PublishedMay 8, 2023

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) is pleased to announce it has awarded 22 scholarships totaling $20,000 to help automotive service and collision repair students pay for tuition or tools during the 2023-24 school year.

The scholarships are in the amounts of $500 to $1,500 and are made possible by the generous donation from the Minnesota State I-CAR Committee, as well as proceeds from AASP-MN’s Annual Race for Automotive Education fundraiser.

Thirty college and high school students from 10 schools submitted completed applications. Applications were reviewed by a committee of

'Urgent, Lifesaving Recall' Issued for 2000-2006 BMWs to Replace Airbag Inflators

Written by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com
Published May 5, 2023

BMWand the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are warning owners of older BMW models to stop driving the vehicles until the driver's side Takataairbag inflators are replaced.

Calling this an "urgent, lifesaving recall" of the "most dangerous" BMW vehicles, about 90,000 of these vehicles should be parked and stay parked until they are repaired, unless the airbag inflators have already been replaced by dealers.

• 2000-2006 BMW 3 Series (E46) including M3
• 2000-2003 BMW

Rally Planned at CA State Capitol Building to Protest EV Mandates

PublishedMay 5, 2023

The United Motor Vehicle Coalition of California (UVMCC) is organizing a Unification Rally at 10 a.m. May 21 on the steps of the State Capitol Building in Sacramento, CA, to protest the state's ban on sales of new gas-powered cars by 2035.

The UVMCC said the rally will be "fighting the state mandates and executive orders aimed at banning fuel-burning vehicles, and the all-electric vehicle agenda, which will have a major impact on every aspect of the auto industry and on every citizen who didn’t have a voice, or a choice."

Between 6,000 and 8,000 people are expected to attend, the UVMCC said.

This will be

With Illinois Gas Prices Above $4 a Gallon, Corn Farmers Hope EPA Decision Eases Burden

Written by Kevin Bessler, The Center Square
Published May 3, 2023

With the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in Illinois already above $4, more than 50 cents higher than any of its neighboring states, some are hopeful prices may ease now that the Environmental Protection Agency has issued an emergency waiver to allow for the sale of E15 gasoline this summer.

Illinois was asking for the waiver, which exempts the 15% ethanol fuel blend from anti-smog regulations

Carvana Expands Chicago Presence with Newest Car Vending Machine

PublishedMay 3, 2023

Carvanaon May 3 launched its newest car vending machine near Chicago, located in Schaumburg, IL. The state-of-the-art steel and glass structure stands 12 stories tall with a 43-vehicle capacity, offering local car buyers a second location in the Chicago area to partake in the full car vending machine experience.

Carvana customers can save valuable time by shopping online, and can choose to either pick up their vehicle at the Schaumburg car vending machine or have the vehicle delivered to their home. When customers opt for a car vending machine pick up, upon their arrival at the tower, they will be greeted by a customer

Agreement Gives Fargo, ND, Repair Shop Aug. 1 Closing Deadline

Written by David Olson, The Forum
Published May 3, 2023

The city of Fargo, ND, and the operator of a north Fargo auto repair shop have reached an agreement that will allow John Bultman, who runs John's Repair Shop, to stay in business until Aug. 1.

However, Bultman, who has operated the shop for 42 years, says he is unhappy with some of the terms set by the city---including how vehicles outside of the shop are to be managed---and he plans to wrap things up by the end of May.

The agreement, approved by the Fargo City Commission on May 1, settles a conflict that arose when the city informed Bultman earlier this year

Remote Vehicle Sale Legislation Signed into Law in Iowa

PublishedMay 2, 2023

Legislation to allow remote sales of vehicles was signed into law April 28 by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds.

The legislation was introduced and sponsored in early March by the Iowa House Transportation Committee, and passed unanimously in both the Iowa House of Representatives with a 95-0 vote, and in the Iowa State Senate in a 50-0 vote.

Carvana, which buys and sells used cars online, has been a strong advocate of this legislation throughout the proceedings.

“Iowa residents have been clear that they are fans of Carvana’s online buying experience,” said William Dammann, manager of

NC Auto Repair Shop Owner Sentenced for Coding 15K Vehicles to Avoid Emissions Inspections

PublishedMay 2, 2023

Jamal Saymeh, 59, of Charlotte, NC, was sentenced May 1 to a year and a day in prison followed by two years of supervised release for fraudulently coding more than 15,000 vehicles that would have otherwise failed the required state emissions inspection, a violation of the Clean Air Act.

Saymeh was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney, who also ordered Saymeh to pay a $1.2 million fine and $82,026 in restitution to the State of North Carolina, announced Dena J. King, U.S. attorney for the Western District of North

Uzzardo Appointed to CAWA’s Manufacturers' Advisory Council

PublishedMay 2, 2023

Vinni Uzzardo of Standard Motor Products (SMP) has been appointed to CAWA’s Manufacturers' Advisory Council.

“We are pleased to have Vinni join our leadership team and contribute to our discussions of current and future industry issues," said Young Suhr Jr., chair of the Board of Directors. “We look forward to his participation and contributions which will assist the association in achieving its goals as an effective and valuable automotive aftermarket industry organization."

Uzzardo has 38 years of automotive aftermarket experience. He started his career working at his family’s

ASE Announces New EV Standards, EV Testing and Certification Program

PublishedMay 2, 2023

The National Institute for Automotive Service (ASE) announced the creation of EV technician/shop personnel electrical safety standards.

The purpose of the standards is to provide guidance, document and establish electrical safety requirements, standards, procedures and safe work practices relating to the development of an electrically safe working area for service professionals in North America working on or around electrified vehicles (xEVs). The intent is to minimize exposure to these hazards and their associated impacts.

These standards were developed in conjunction with vehicle manufacturers, aftermarket

Collision Engineering Program Announces 7th School

PublishedMay 2, 2023

The Enterprise Holdings Foundation and Ford Motor Company Fund announced the Parkland College Automotive Collision Repair Program in Champaign, IL, has been selected as the seventh school to offer the industry-leading Collision Engineering Program (CEP).

The program expansion is made possible through the cross-industry partnership between the two automotive leaders ...

EV Fee in Pennsylvania Touted as 'Best Path Forward'

Written by Anthony Hennen, The Center Square
Published May 1, 2023

Pennsylvania lawmakers want to find a way to replace the gas tax with electric vehicle fees---before they miss out on tens of millions of dollars to fund the state’s roads and bridges.

The trick, as officials heard testimony May 1 during a House Transportation Committee hearing, is to figure out what form that fee should take to capture enough revenue.

“We must recognize the fact that our country is at the beginning stages of changing gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles,” said Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia. “We need to be certain that our roads and bridges can

GM Eyes $200M Plant for Sierra, Silverado EV Parts Production

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published May 1, 2023

General Motors is considering the former site of The Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan for a $200 million electric vehicle parts plant. The new factory would be close to GM’s Orion assembly plant and would likely supply parts for the ChevySilverado EV and GMCSierra EV.

“General Motors has identified the former Palace of Auburn Hills site as a potential location for a supplier park to support its Orion Assembly Plant, which will be expanded to produce electric pickup trucks. The company is still determining the scope of work and which supplier will have operations in

UL Solutions Opens EV Charging Laboratory in Illinois

PublishedMay 1, 2023

UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, officially opened its North America Advanced Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Laboratory in Northbrook, IL. The facility will help enable EV charging OEMs and their suppliers with shorter development cycles, faster time-to-market and the ability to be more competitive in the global marketplace.

Adjacent to UL Solutions' global headquarters, the facility has capabilities for Level 1 and Level 2 alternating current (AC) EV chargers, direct current (DC) fast chargers and grid connectivity testing for vehicle-to-grid and distributed energy resources. It also features vehicle simulation

Pennsylvania Traffic Deaths Fall 4% After Increasing for Years

Written by Anthony Hennen, The Center Square
Published May 1, 2023

Pennsylvania recorded a slight decline in the number of traffic deaths in 2022, though some types of fatalities increased while others fell to the lowest level in decades.

Statewide traffic deaths fell to 1,179 in 2022, compared to 1,230 in 2021---a 4% drop, according to data released by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Overall crashes, too, have dropped: the agency noted reportable crashes fell to their second-lowest level since 1951.

Nationally, almost 43,000 people died in traffic crashes in 2022, a small 0.3% decrease from a year ago.

"Pennsylvania

Rivian to Establish Remanufacturing Facility in Shepherdsville, KY

PublishedApril 28, 2023

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on April 27 announced leaders at EV-maker Rivianwill invest $10 million to establish a remanufacturing facility in Bullitt County, creating 218 full-time, quality jobs.

Rivian currently stocks replacement parts at an existing 326,000-square-foot facility in Shepherdsville. This project will see the company improve and update the existing operation to establish a robust remanufacturing facility to support the warranty, repair and service footprint of the company’s EV trucks. 

The investment will help expand the capability and capacity of this existing site to

Crash Champions, NABC Recycled Rides Donate Car to Nashville Single Mother, U.S. Army Veteran 

PublishedApril 27, 2023

In a celebratory giveaway April 26, the Crash Champions Collision Repair Team proudly joined hands with the National Auto Body Council® (NABC), GEICOand local partners to change the life of a deserving local single mother and U.S. Army veteran. 

Nicole Leyva, who was nominated for the giveaway by Operation Stand Down of Tennessee, received keys to a fully-restored Kia Optima as part of the NABC Recycled Rides program. 

“My family and I are very thankful for this meaningful gift,” said Leyva. “For those that have been

EV Chip Giant Pulled to California Amid Intense Production Race

Written by William Johnson, Teslarati
Published April 27, 2023

Bosch, a leader in the EV computer chip industry, announced it will acquire and upgrade a chip fabrication facility in California.

If COVID showed the automotive industry anything, it is its desperate need for computer chips for everything from adjustable seats to window regulators. And with the dramatic increase in the demand for these chips coming with the transition to electric vehicles, chip manufacturing will need to kick into high gear to keep up.

Bosch is buying the plant from TSI Semiconductors for an undisclosed amount. Bosch did share it will be

Course Topics Announced for ASE Instructor Training Conference

PublishedApril 27, 2023

The upcoming ASE Instructor Training Conference will feature speakers from leading transportation industry organizations. Hosted by the ASE Education Foundation, the premier training event will be held July 17-20 in Concord, NC, and will be attended by high school and college instructors from auto, truck and collision repair programs nationwide.

“Each year, some of the industry’s best share their knowledge and experience at the ASE Instructor Training Conference, and this year will be no different,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation. “This year’s speakers will address a variety of

Auto Insurance Shopping, Switch Rates Reach New Highs as Premiums Surge

PublishedApril 27, 2023

The nation’s auto insurers are locked in a vicious cycle of inflation, rising premiums and steadily increasing customer defection rates. The result, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study, released April 27, is a sharper focus on saving money as large numbers of auto insurance customers shop for new policies and switch to new carriers, largely based on price.

“Auto insurance customers are starting to shop for insurance like they shop for gas,” said Stephen Crewdson, senior director, insurance business intelligence at J.D. Power. “They are taking a much more active stance in