Local news stories affecting the auto body industry in Arizona, Utah, Arkansas, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Louisiana
The median six-month auto insurance rate in Texas has decreased more than 14 percent since the beginning of 2009 to reach $744.00, according to InsuranceRates .com(TM).
The Oklahoma Tax Commission has ruled that all GEM electric vehicle models are now eligible for the Qualified Electric Motor Vehicle Property Income Tax Credit. The October 7, 2009 qualification letter issued to Global Electric Motorcars validates the availability of the 50% of vehicle cost income tax credit for GEM car buyers.
There will be a Grand Opening (by invitation) of the newest Auto Masters Collision Facility in Victoria, Texas on Sept. 19.
The Texas Independent Automotive Association is having its annual picnic 1-8 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009 at Eisenhower Park in San Antonio. The event provides members, families and guests a chance to recreate, socialize, network, and proceeds support the chapter’s shop training reimbursement and college-level automotive scholarship programs.
The TIAA is reminding its members and our readers that Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales taxes on August 21, 22 and 23 - the state's annual tax holiday. Lay-away plans can be used again this year to take advantage of the sales tax holiday.
The Texas Independent Automotive Association Austin Chapter awarded two automotive scholarships during its monthly meeting Aug. 13, 2009 at Antonio's Tex Mex Restaurant in Round Rock, Texas.
Arkansas has a new "Lemon Law," passed by the General Assembly in the 2009 session, which went into effect July 31. In Arkansas, if a consumer purchases a vehicle that has repeated, substantial problems that impair its use and cannot be fixed, that vehicle is considered a "lemon," and the consumer could be entitled to a replacement or refund, The law was amended this year to cover more vehicles.
TEXAS AUTOMOTIVE SUMMIT 2010:
The Texas Automotive Summit is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 at the San Marcos Convention Center. It's a great event for Automotive seminars, networking and vendor interaction. More information will be forthcoming about the event, hotel accomodations and registration for TIAA & ASA members, non members, and vendors. Be sure to set aside this date and plan to attend.