August production edged above July as an increase in hours worked offset lower employment, but … [Read More...]
Research
Dealership Body Shop Sales Edge Up to $3.94 Billion in First Half as Share of Dealers Operating On-Site Shops Declines
The share of franchised dealers operating body shops posted its largest midyear decline in at least … [Read More...]
Features
Ford Sues Empire Auto Parts for Design Patent Infringement on F-150 and Bronco Sport Parts
Complaint filed in Dallas federal court also lists 160 Empire catalog items Ford ties to its design patents. Ford Global Technologies LLC, the Ford Motor Co. subsidiary that holds the automaker's intellectual property, sued Empire Auto Parts LLC for design … [Read More...]
New Jersey Bill Would Bar Insurers from Using AI to Make Final Claim Denials
Bill focused on the final denial decision, not other parts of the claim process. A New Jersey lawmaker has introduced legislation that would prohibit automobile, homeowners and flood insurers from using artificial intelligence to make the final decision to … [Read More...]
Massachusetts Appraiser Board Proposes Ruling Reaffirming Licensed-Appraiser Requirement for Repair Shops
Board moves to reaffirm its own licensed-appraiser requirement after the Division of Standards stopped mandating one for shop registration. Public comment is open before the July 14 vote. The Massachusetts Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board is seeking … [Read More...]
Rhode Island Legislature Passes Bill to Raise Total Loss Threshold to 85%
For the second year in a row, Rhode Island total loss thresholds have been adjusted. The Rhode Island General Assembly has passed legislation that would raise the threshold at which an insurer may declare a damaged vehicle a total loss to 85% of its … [Read More...]
Rhode Island Proposes Adding ADAS to Required Auto Body Technician Certifications
Public comment period open through June 25. Rhode Island regulators have proposed amending the state's Motor Vehicle Body and Salvage Vehicle Repair regulation to make Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) a required category of technician certification … [Read More...]