Industry News

A federal grant program is offering $350 million to help states update crash reporting systems, aiming to improve safety standards quickly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging states to apply by May 1 to modernize data transfer for accurate and timely fatality statistics, including vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. This…

The Biden administration plans to ease yearly requirements of its ambitious plan to reduce vehicle emissions and promote electric vehicle (EV) sales through 2030. This decision comes after automakers and the United Auto Workers voiced concerns about the rapid transition to EVs, citing cost barriers for consumers and the need for more charging infrastructure. The…

Recent research conducted by AAA focused on evaluating the effectiveness of reverse automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems equipped with rear cross-traffic mitigation in four popular 2023 model-year vehicles. These systems are designed to reduce rear-end collisions by automatically applying brakes when encountering obstacles while reversing. The study aimed to assess their performance in scenarios involving…

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is vehemently opposing Senate Bill (SB) 1853 in Oklahoma, arguing that its passage would significantly hinder automotive and collision repair businesses. Introduced on February 6, the bill proposes a set of maximum fees and labor charges that ASA believes are unjust and would make it harder for repair professionals to…

Empire Auto Parts, a prominent distributor of aftermarket collision repair parts, has recently unveiled the Empire Auto Parts Scholarship Fund. This initiative aims to support students enrolled in post-secondary school collision repair programs within underserved communities in Empire’s geographic market. In a bid to celebrate Black History Month, Empire Auto Parts has partnered with the…

SK On Co., Ford Motor Co.’s South Korean electric-car battery partner, anticipates a sluggish year for electric vehicle (EV) sales in 2024, reflecting a broader industry trend. However, despite short-term challenges, SK On remains optimistic about the long-term prospects of EVs. The company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Min Sung, emphasized the need for flexibility in response…

I-CAR and Ford have collaborated to introduce new repair courses tailored to three Ford models and one Lincoln model, aimed at equipping repairers with the necessary knowledge of Ford repair procedures for the latest vehicle models. The courses cover intricate repair procedures and cutting-edge technologies specific to the 2023 Super Duty pickup truck, the 2024…

In 2023, Tesla continued its dominance in the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market, capturing 55% of the sector, though slightly down from its 2022 share of 65%. Despite this dip, Tesla’s strategic price adjustments bolstered its standing, particularly evidenced by the increased sales of the Model Y, which accounted for 33% of all EVs sold…

Tesla Inc. has announced pay increases for workers at its California car plant, as well as across its U.S. factories. This move comes amid efforts by the United Auto Workers (UAW) to organize nonunion automakers. The pay increase, termed as a “market adjustment pay increase,” affects all U.S. production associates, material handlers, and quality inspectors.…

At the Consumer Technology Association Conference (CES) in Las Vegas, Luminar Founder and CEO Austin Russell showcased the company’s new Automatic Emergency Steering (AES) technology utilizing the Iris+LiDAR sensor. The demonstration illustrated a Luminar-equipped vehicle successfully swerving around a pedestrian dummy and promptly engaging automatic emergency braking (AEB) upon encountering a tire on the road,…