This week's collision repair industry news spans technology, certifications, events, scholarships, and community giving.
Kia Approves Hunter's Ultimate ADAS® System
Hunter Engineering has received approval from Kia America for its Ultimate ADAS® alignment and static calibration system, making Kia the eighth OEM — and first Korean automaker — to approve the platform, joining Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Nissan, Infiniti, and Subaru.
The system now supports more than 7,400 static ADAS procedures across 19 OEMs, covering more than 90 percent of vehicles in operation. Additional OEM approvals are expected in the near future.
Driven Brands Collision Group Surpasses 300 OEM Certifications
Driven Brands Collision Group, parent company of Abra, CARSTAR, and Fix Auto USA, now holds more than 300 OEM certifications across its U.S. network, spanning EV and luxury platforms. The group's 288 EV certifications cover brands including Tesla, Rivian, GM BEV, Ford, Lucid, and VinFast, while 37 luxury certifications span Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo.
"Vehicle technology is evolving rapidly, and our responsibility is to stay ahead of that curve," said Damien Reyna, chief operating officer of Driven Brands Collision Group.
NABC Recycled Rides® Gifts Three Vehicles In Three Days
The National Auto Body Council® completed three vehicle donations this week, with GEICO providing the vehicles and collision repair partners handling the refurbishment work.
On Feb. 19 in Littleton, CO, Navy veteran Zachary Mattick received a refurbished 2021 Buick Encore GX, repaired by Crash Champions. Mattick, nominated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, is the sole transportation provider for his children while supporting his wife's recovery from cancer surgery.
On Feb. 20 in Orlando, single mother Carina Marshal received a refurbished 2024 Volkswagen Jetta Sport at the I-CAR National Conference, repaired by Joe Hudson's Collision Center. Her previous vehicle was totaled in an accident caused by another driver, with the insurance payout covering only the outstanding loan balance.
On Feb. 21 in Port Charlotte, FL, community volunteer Kelle Elmes, who works with service dogs through Stellar K9 and United Therapy Dogs, will receive a refurbished 2021 Kia Sportage LX at the 6th Annual South Gulf Cove CCT Furry Scurry 5K, repaired by Crash Champions Fort Myers.
ASE Announces Scholarships, Instructor Conference, And Worldpac Partnership
ASE and its affiliated organizations announced several workforce initiatives this week. Applications are now open for the ASE Chairman's Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year; the deadline is March 31, 2026.
Registration is also open for the 16th annual ASE Instructor Training Conference, set for July 20-23 in Frisco, Texas, featuring more than 20 hours of technical update training with tracks for auto, truck, and collision repair instructors.
Additionally, ASE Connects announced a new collaboration with Worldpac to help shops and dealerships connect with local education programs to strengthen the technician pipeline.
Autel Donates 100 Diagnostic Tablets To High School Programs
Autel U.S. and the ASE Education Foundation announced a partnership to donate 100 TS900 diagnostic and service tablet kits, valued at $100,000, to ASE-accredited high school automotive programs nationwide.
Instructors and program administrators can apply at bit.ly/ASE-Autel-2026. The donation marks the launch of Autel Inspires, a new initiative within the company's Autel Cares philanthropic program.
CIECA Announces CONNEX 2026 And March AI Webinar
CIECA has opened early-bird registration for CIECA CONNEX 2026, its 17th annual conference, set for Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at the Hilton Palacio del Rio in San Antonio, Texas. This year's theme is "The Rise of Software-Defined Vehicles: Collision Industry Impacts." A highlight will be a tour of the Toyota Texas manufacturing facility; tours have limited availability and will require separate registration at a later date.
CIECA will also host a free webinar on March 12, "What You Haven't Heard About AI in the Collision Industry," featuring Bill Brower of Solera and Mark Fincher of CCC Intelligent Solutions. The webinar begins at 11 a.m. PST/2 p.m. EST.
WMABA Opens 2026 Grant Applications
The Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association has opened its 2026 grant application for students and instructors in collision repair education programs. Grants fund education, training, tools, and programs supporting the next generation of industry professionals.
Apollo Sprayers Celebrates 60 Years Of HVLP Innovation
Apollo Sprayers is celebrating its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of HVLP electric paint sprayer technology. Founded by John B. Darroch and now led by third-generation family leadership, the Vista, California-based company has validated over 80 percent transfer efficiency for its systems through independent laboratory testing.
"Our 60-year milestone represents more than longevity," said John Darroch, president and CEO of Apollo Sprayers. "It represents relationships with our customers, employees, and industry partners."
Auto Care Association Opens Connect Sponsorships and ACC Award Nominations
The Auto Care Association has opened sponsorships for Auto Care Connect, set for May 11-14 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Downtown in Atlanta. The association's largest learning experience draws nearly 1,000 volunteer leaders and industry professionals annually.
The Automotive Communications Council is also accepting nominations for its 2026 ACC Excellence Award (formerly the ACC Impact Award), which recognizes significant contributions to the aftermarket industry in marketing and communications. Submissions are due by Feb. 27, with winners announced at Auto Care Connect.
CAWA Re-Elects MAC Leadership For 2026
CAWA's Manufacturers' Advisory Council re-elected Tony Wallerich of ZF Aftermarket as Chair and Dan Rader of Mevotech as Vice-Chair for 2026.
The MAC's next meeting is scheduled for June 24 in Sacramento in conjunction with CAWA's summer Leadership & Educational Forum and Legislative Day.
