Collision repair industry news this week includes an independent shop acquisition, leadership changes at CCC, and the latest Insurer Report Card results — plus training opportunities and scholarship deadlines.
Mt View Auto Body acquires Bodymotion Inc.
Mt View Auto Body owners Les and Mike Daniels have acquired Bodymotion Inc., a Porsche-certified collision and mechanical facility in Ocean Township, NJ. Bodymotion founder Michael Bavaro operated the shop for more than 30 years.
Hammer Group Holdings and Zoran Advisors represented Bavaro in the transaction. According to the advisors, Bavaro had been approached by major consolidators over the years but declined, choosing instead to find a buyer who would preserve the shop's culture and standards.
Mt View Auto Body, founded in 1957, operates certified collision centers in New Jersey with a focus on OEM procedures and manufacturer certifications. The Daniels are committed to maintaining Bodymotion's Porsche certification and reputation within the Porsche enthusiast and motorsports community.
CCC Intelligent Solutions names chief product officer
CCC Intelligent Solutions has appointed Josh Valdez as Chief Product Officer, effective February 16, 2026. Valdez will lead the company's product strategy, design, and delivery, with responsibility for scaling AI-driven technology across CCC's platform.
Valdez joins CCC from Dayforce, where he served as Senior Vice President of Products. He previously held roles at Workday and Google.
"Josh brings deep experience building platform-scale products and turning advanced technologies into solutions customers trust," said Githesh Ramamurthy, Chairman and CEO of CCC Intelligent Solutions.
CIECA announces 2026 board officers
The Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association has named its 2026 Board of Trustees officers:
- Chair: Kim DeVallance Caron, Business Development Director, Enterprise Mobility
- Vice Chair: Ken Eagleson, Vice President of Business Development, OEC Insurance Solutions
- Treasurer: Ed Mondragon, Property and Casualty Claims Director, State Farm
- Secretary: Creighton Warren, Chief Information Officer, Boyd Group
"As vehicles, repair processes, and customer expectations evolve, the need for clean, consistent, real-time data exchange has never been greater," said DeVallance Caron. "CIECA sits at the center of that evolution."
2026 Insurer Report Card results released
Results from the 2026 Insurer Report Card, conducted by CRASH Network, are now available. More than 1,100 body shops graded up to 40 insurance companies on how well their claims practices promote quality repairs and customer service.
North Carolina Farm Bureau was at the top of the list again, the only insurer to consistently earn an A+. Six other insurers received grades of A- or higher: Acuity Insurance, Alfa Mutual, Chubb, Erie Insurance, Michigan Farm Bureau, and PURE Insurance. A total of 35 insurers earned a B or higher to make the Honor Roll.
None of the Top 10 largest national auto insurers received an overall grade higher than C+, with more than 60 other insurers ranking higher. Twenty-two companies, including six of the largest U.S. auto insurers, received grades of C- or lower.
The free report is available at crashnetwork.com/irc.
CRC Industries raises $100,000 for skilled trade scholarships
CRC Industries' hydrogen-powered 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air sold for $100,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction on January 21, 2026. The full hammer price will benefit TechForce Foundation, which supports students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
The winning bidder, Devin Smith of Southern Elite Contracting Inc., raised the final bid from $80,000 to $100,000. "My wife has been a teacher for 21 years and my business relies on skilled tradespeople every day," said Smith.
The sale was part of CRC's Build for the Future scholarship initiative, which awards financial support to 10 students pursuing technical school education in automotive, industrial, or welding careers.
"This funding is critical; it will support more than 10 scholarships and provide students with access to training, tools and industry connections," said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation.
Apollo Sprayers launches HVLP certification course
Apollo Sprayers has launched what it calls the world's first automotive certification course dedicated to HVLP electric paint sprayers. The one-day, hands-on program covers turbine technology, spray gun setup, material viscosity, pressure control, and best practices for spraying primers, basecoats, clearcoats, and custom finishes.
The inaugural course will debut in Florida, with additional courses scheduled in Texas and California.
"HVLP electric technology has been proven to deliver over 80 percent transfer efficiency, saving up to 40 percent on paint materials," said John Darroch, CEO of Apollo Sprayers. "Until now, there has never been a formal certification program focused on educating painters how to properly use these systems at a professional level."
Course details and registration are available at maxi-miser.com.
HD Repair Forum announces economic outlook keynote
The 2026 HD Repair Forum will be held March 18-19 at the Music City Convention Center in Nashville, TN, co-locating with ATA's annual Technology & Maintenance Council meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition.
Dr. Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics will deliver a keynote titled "Federal Deficits, Tech Bubbles, and the Economic Outlook: A Focus on the Heavy-Duty Sector." The presentation will connect national fiscal policy and market volatility to freight demand, labor markets, and long-term industry stability.
The two-day conference will also feature sessions on frame repair, welding advancements, ADAS, estimating, adhesive repair, and more. Discounted hotel blocks are available until February 12. Registration is available at na.eventscloud.com/hdrf2026.
TOOLS 2026 registration open
Registration is open for TOOLS 2026, scheduled for April 29 through May 3 at Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA. The event features technical, service advisor, and management training alongside a multi-day trade show.
CAA LA/OC chapter meeting set for February 25
The California Autobody Association LA/OC Chapter will host a meeting on Feb. 25 at Old Ranch Golf Club in Seal Beach, CA. Tim Ronak, Senior Services Consultant at AkzoNobel Coatings, will present "Creating Your Consumers Guide to Full Reimbursement for Automobile Claims."
The session covers policy specifics, how loss is quantified, first-party versus third-party claims differences, subrogation, and a toolkit download for consumers. Registration and meet-and-greet begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:00 p.m. and the presentation at 7:00 p.m. Cost is $90 for members and $150 for non-members. RSVP by Feb. 20 to Cindy Shillito at 714-944-4028 or cindy@calaautobody.com.
Federated Car Care scholarship applications open
Applications are being accepted for the Federated Car Care Scholarship program through March 31. The scholarships, funded by Fisher Auto Parts in memory of founder Art Fisher.
Eligible candidates include those attending two- or four-year colleges, ASE/NATEF certified technician training programs, or licensed vocational schools. High school seniors graduating in 2026 and heading to qualifying programs are also eligible.
"We are very pleased to continue offering scholarships to the children and employees of Car Care Center members, supporting their pursuit of higher education," said Bo Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher Auto Parts.
