Weekly consumption at highest level since the start of the pandemic when compared to last year. The latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed that gasoline consumption for the week ending September 11 was up versus the previous week and the comparison to a year ago showed the smallest decline since March. […]
State Farm to Acquire Non-Standard Auto Insurer GAINSCO for $400 Million
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and GAINSCO, Inc. announced that they have entered into an agreement for State Farm to acquire GAINSCO for approximately $400 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close in early 2021, subject to approval by GAINSCO’s shareholders, the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the […]
AASP/MA Meets with Legislators on Appraiser Licensing Board Reform Legislation
On September 9, Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts (AASP/MA) Executive Director Evangelos “Lucky” Papageorg and Board members Ray Belsito, of Arnie’s Auto Body in Charlton, and Joshua Fuller, of Fuller Auto Body in Auburn, welcomed Senator Michael O. Moore (D-2nd Worcester), Representative Peter J. Durant (R-6th Worcester) and Representative Paul K. Frost (R-7th […]
Auto Care Association Testifies in Support of Revisions to DMCA to Assure Aftermarket Access to OEM Software
On September 16, Aaron Lowe, senior vice president, regulatory and government affairs, Auto Care Association, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Intellectual Property Subcommittee in a hearing regarding whether legislative revisions are needed to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). In his testimony, Lowe pointed to the major changes to automotive technology that have occurred […]
Caliber Reports Kept All Collision Repair Centers Operational During Pandemic
Largest collision repair center operator details efforts it took to navigate through pandemic. As promised, landlords to receive deferred payment at end of month. Projects it will add 100 new locations this year. Caliber Collision, in communications with its landlord partners dated August 31, detailed the steps it took to maintain a strong financial position […]
CARSTAR Adds Collision Repair Center to Network in Kansas City Market
CARSTAR announced the opening of CARSTAR Roe Body Shop, a 14,000 sq. ft. collision repair facility, located at 4715 Roe Parkway, Roeland Park, Kansas This is the third CARSTAR facility for local repairer MJ Alagha, who also owns CARSTAR Crystal Lenexa and CARSTAR Crystal 135th Street in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Opening his first […]
Cushman & Wakefield Brokers $30 Million Sale/Leaseback of Crash Champions Collision Repair Center Properties
Cushman & Wakefield announced today the firm successfully executed a $30 million sale leaseback of a multiple collision repair facility operator Crash Champions property portfolio in the Greater Chicago region. The deal transacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Managing Director Jack Chang with Cushman & Wakefield represented the seller and sourced the buyer in the deal. […]
GFS Virtual Auto Refinish Summit October 26-30
Global Finishing Solutions (GFS) will be hosting a virtual Auto Refinish Summit on October 26-30, providing a chance for collision repair shop owners, operators and technicians to network and learn about the industry in new ways, from the comfort of their own homes. Several events are planned for the five-day summit including: Virtual car show: […]
Next Year’s Australian Auto Aftermarket and Collision Repair Expo Rescheduled to 2022
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) announced the decision to reschedule the Australian Auto Aftermarket and Collision Repair Expo, that was to be held 29 April 29 to May 1, 2021, until 2022. The Expo, the largest aftermarket trade show of its kind in Australia, will now take place April 7-9, 2022 at the Melbourne […]
Mitchell Third Quarter 2020 Industry Trends Report Examines Diagnostic Trends, Extended Reality
Luxury vehicles record the most DTCs including 2018-2020 models where more vehicles have ADAS systems. Mitchell International released its third quarter Industry Trends Report for 2020. The Auto Physical Damage edition examines several key trends impacting the industry and new technologies “We’re starting to see important new patterns emerge as we move into the second […]