Posts by pete

Autonomous driving technology is rapidly evolving, with level 2+ systems like General Motors’ Super Cruise becoming increasingly common. These systems, allowing hands-off driving with driver attention required, are easier to deploy and gain regulatory approval compared to more advanced level 3 systems.  While level 3, which allows for hands-off and eyes-off driving in limited scenarios,…

According to Mitchell International, the collision repair industry faces numerous challenges in 2025. These include increasing vehicle complexity, rising claims severity, and longer cycle times. Key factors contributing to these challenges include: ▪️Increased vehicle complexity: Modern vehicles incorporate more advanced technologies, lightweight materials, and intricate systems, leading to more complex repairs and higher labor costs.…

General Motors has signed a multi-year agreement with Norwegian company Vianode to supply synthetic graphite anode materials for its electric vehicle batteries. This move aims to reduce reliance on China, which dominates the global graphite market. The synthetic graphite will be used in batteries produced by GM’s Ultium Cells joint venture and is expected to…

A bill introduced in New York, AB 75, would require collision repair shops to disclose the types of replacement parts they intend to use and obtain vehicle owners’ written consent before installation. It specifically defines “replacement crash parts” as exterior components like doors, bumpers, and fenders but excludes windows and hubcaps. The bill prohibits non-OEM…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into 2.6 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the Actually Smart Summon feature, following reports of four crashes where vehicles failed to detect obstacles while being controlled remotely through a smartphone app. The probe covers multiple Tesla models from 2016-2025 and focuses on evaluating the…

Hyundai Motor and Kia have developed a new system, Integrated Greenhouse Gas Information System (IGIS), to monitor and manage carbon emissions throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle. This system leverages Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to accurately track emissions from production, operation, and disposal. By integrating with existing systems like SCEMS, IGIS allows for comprehensive data…

The National Auto Body Council (NABC) will host its second annual Gala and 30th-anniversary celebration on January 20th and 21st in Indian Wells, California. The event, themed “The Best Is Yet to Come,” will benefit the Changing and Saving Lives Foundation, which supports veterans, military families, and first responders. NABC members will be recognized for…

USAA has completed the rollout of CCC’s Parts Parity program to all STARS network locations, introducing enhanced parts sourcing functionality within CCC ONE. According to CCC Vice President Mark Fincher, the program enables insurers to share their preferred parts suppliers with repair facilities, allowing shops to access a wider range of alternative parts when creating…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has temporarily suspended its decision to recall approximately 50 million air bag inflators, following comments suggesting that not all units are defective. The agency’s initial 2023 recall decision targeted ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive Systems inflators manufactured since January 2018, citing concerns about ruptures and metal debris ejection…