This week brought a new OEM certification program, an extra-special NABC Recycled Rides presentation, leadership announcements from industry associations, and more. Here's a recap:
NABC Recycled Rides presents vehicle to autism program with Ray Evernham
The National Auto Body Council presented a refurbished 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee to the IGNITE program on January 8 in Davidson, North Carolina. NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief Ray Evernham participated in the presentation.
IGNITE is a peer-to-peer community center for young adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome, operated by the Autism Society of North Carolina. The Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation provided founding support for the program in 2012.
Allstate donated the vehicle, and CARSTAR Auto Body of Cleveland refurbished it. Additional partners included LKQ, Copart, Capital Chrysler, and others.
"This will be a great benefit for IGNITE," said Ray Evernham. "Not only will it help our members get to more activities, but it will also help create a lot of awareness for our cause."
Since 2007, the NABC Recycled Rides program has donated more than 3,500 vehicles valued at approximately $51 million. Allstate has donated more than 200 vehicles through the program.
CCC launches OEM certification management program with Nissan
CCC Intelligent Solutions announced January 8 that Nissan will be the first automaker to participate in the CCC OEM Link Network, a new offering designed to support OEM collision certification programs.
Through the partnership, CCC will manage certified network operations for Nissan, including administration of shop audits, billing processes, and communications between the automaker and its approximately 2,000 certified collision repair facilities across the U.S.
"As vehicles become more advanced, achieving safe and proper repairs requires strong collaboration across the entire ecosystem," said Andreas Hecht, senior vice president of OEM services at CCC. "With OEM Link, CCC is establishing a foundation for certified repair programs that enable automakers and repairers to work in lockstep, delivering repair quality and reinforcing customer confidence."
CCC said the program will help reduce administrative burden for repair shops while helping Nissan maintain network consistency, support technician readiness, and strengthen brand reputation through high-quality repairs. Nissan has already begun sending an increasing number of job referrals to its certified shops.
ASE Education Foundation announces 2026 leadership
The ASE Education Foundation announced its new officers and board members for 2026. Brian LaCroix, automotive instructor at Capital Region BOCES Career and Tech School in Albany, New York, is the new chair. Jim Sennett of AAA is serving as vice chair, Lisa Vassallo of BMW of North America is treasurer, and Drew Jablonowski of DRiV Incorporated is secretary.
Eight new individuals joined the board, including Jeff Peevy of I-CAR. Departing board members include Doug Wilberg of Caliber Collision.
"Their knowledge will play a crucial role as we confront the technician shortage and pursue important initiatives in the coming year," said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation.
AWDA announces 2026 governors
The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) announced its new governors for 2026. Fletcher Lord III, president and CEO of Parts Warehouse Inc., is serving as chair. Young Suhr of APW Knox-Seeman Warehouse is vice chair.
New governors-at-large include Paul Agather of Automotive Jobbers Supply, Chase Baxley of Car Parts Warehouse, Jerry Bender of Midwest Wheel Companies, Todd Heldt of Factory Motor Parts, Clifford Hovis Jr., Eric Schwartz of Parts Authority, and Trevor Tennant of Piston Ring Service Supply.
"These trailblazers cross generations and continue the AWDA Board of Governors legacy of serving as a true reflection of leadership in distribution," said Ted Hughes, executive director of AWDA.
MotorTrend presents SDV Innovator Awards at CES 2026
MotorTrend announced the winners of its fourth annual Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Innovator Awards at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. The awards recognize pioneers, leaders, and experts redefining automotive innovation through software-defined vehicle technology.
Twenty winners were recognized across Pioneer, Leader, and Expert categories, selected by a panel of MotorTrend editors. Winners included executives and engineers from Tesla, Honda, General Motors, Ford, Rivian, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Qualcomm.
"Software-defined vehicles are rapidly shaping the next phase of automobile technology, redefining in real time how cars are designed, built and driven," said Ed Loh, head of editorial for MotorTrend.
