Eckenrode Steps Down as CREF Executive Director
Brandon Eckenrode is no longer serving as executive director of the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) as of July 17, according to a statement from the organization's Board of Trustees.
"We are grateful for Brandon's contributions to the Foundation and his dedication to supporting collision repair education and workforce development," the board said in the statement. "We thank him for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors."
The Board of Trustees and Executive Committee said they are working with staff on a leadership transition and that the foundation's mission is unchanged. Its programs, events, scholarships and preparations for CREF's 35th anniversary celebration will move forward as planned.
"CREF's strength has always been rooted in the collective commitment of our staff, trustees, volunteers, donors, partners and supporters," the board said. "We are confident in the future of the Foundation and deeply appreciative of the support and engagement of our entire community."
Jerry’s Abra Partners with Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence
Abra announced thatJerry's Abra, owned and operated by the Kottschade family, recently had the opportunity to get involved in the community. They partnered with the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence to support the second annual Nitro-X Summer Camp at Minnesota State University, Mankato, helping introduce local students to careers in the transportation and automotive industries.
The three-day camp brought together sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students from across southern Minnesota for hands-on learning experiences centered around radio-controlled (RC) vehicles. Participants learned how to assemble, paint, maintain and operate their vehicles before putting their newly developed skills to the test during a final race competition.
As part of the camp, Jerry’s Abra hosted students and faculty during a special session focused on vehicle body customization. Participants spent time painting their RC car bodies, learning about refinishing techniques, and enjoying lunch together. The activity was made possible through the support of industry partners PPG and 3M, which provided materials and resources to help bring the experience to life.
The camp concluded with a race day competition at the Center for Renewable Energy on the Minnesota State University campus, where students showcased the vehicles they had built and customized during the week.
Auto Care Association Opens 2026 Fall Leadership Days Registration
The Auto Care Association’s Fall Leadership Days registration is now open for association members, committee and community volunteers, and industry guests to attend in person. The event will take place Sept. 16-18, 2026, at the Omni Louisville Hotel, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Fall Leadership Days is a three-day event for the association’s top volunteers and engaged members to discuss industry issues and drive key initiatives.With more than 20 meetings planned among communities, standing committees, the board of directors, and others, hundreds of auto care industry leaders are set to attend from all segments of the supply chain.
Forum topics will include under vehicle, under hood, emerging technology, and paint, body and trim.
For the full 2026 Auto Care Fall Leadership Days schedule, hotel and registration information, visit autocare.org/leadershipdays.
CCC Intelligent Solutions Adds Autel to Diagnostics Network
CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. (CCC), a leading SaaS and AI platform provider powering the insurance economy, announced that Autel has been added as a provider within the CCC Diagnostics Network. Through the integration, collision repair facilities using Autel’s diagnostic services can automatically deliver scan documentation into CCC ONE® workfiles, helping reduce manual processes and support more complete repair records, according to CCC.
“As diagnostics become an increasingly critical part of modern vehicle repair, shops need efficient ways to manage the documentation that supports those services,” said Dan Risley, vice president, market solutions, Automotive Services Group at CCC. “Adding Autel to the CCC Diagnostics Network gives repairers another trusted option for capturing diagnostic information within the workflows they already use every day, helping reduce administrative effort while supporting more complete repair documentation.”
Activation is available through the Diagnostic Connections area of CCC ONE, which is found within CCC ONE Settings, and allows Autel services to communicate directly with the platform. Once eligible Autel devices are enabled, diagnostic reports can automatically be associated with the appropriate repair file, reducing the need for manual uploads and document management.
Assurity Certified Solutions Launches Consumer Platform
Assurity Certified Solutions announced the nationwide launch of a new consumer‑focused platform designed to help drivers feel informed, supported, and confident after an accident. As modern vehicles become more complex and repair information harder to understand, Assurity reports its giving consumers the tools they need to make smart decisions and find repair professionals they can trust.
The Assurity Smart Locator is a mobile‑friendly search tool that helps drivers quickly find collision repair facilities verified as OEM Repair Capable. These facilities have the training, equipment, and processes needed to repair today’s advanced vehicles safely.
In addition, the Assurity AI Estimator helps consumers make that choice with confidence. The Assurity Estimate Translator breaks down complex technical repair language into clear, simple explanations.
Collision repair facilities interested in joining the Assurity platform can learn more at www.assuritycertified.com.
Mirka Expands DEROS® II Lineup
Mirka is expanding its electric sanders with the introduction of the DEROS II 5650X, a new 2-in-1 random orbital sander that allows users to work with both 5-inch and 6-inch abrasives using a single tool.
TheDEROS II 5650X comes equipped with both a standard 6-inch 130 g backing pad and a 5-inch weighted 130 g backing pad, enabling users to quickly adapt the tool to different sanding applications. The weighted 5-inch pad maintains the sander's balance and performance, ensuring smooth, consistent operation when switching between pad sizes.
Built on the proven performance of Mirka's DEROS II platform, the new 5650X features the lightweight, ergonomic design, low vibration, and powerful brushless motor that professionals rely on for demanding finishing applications. Combined with Mirka's dust-free sanding system, the tool helps improve working conditions while delivering a high-quality finish across a wide variety of materials.
Mirka says the DEROS II 5650X is ideal for professionals in automotive refinishing, woodworking, composites, marine, and general surface finishing, offering the convenience of two sanding configurations in one complete package.
Mobile Tech RX Launches App and Connected ADAS Workflow Powered by adasThink for ADAS Calibration Companies
Mobile Tech RX announced the intelligent ADAS workflow for ADAS calibration companies powered by adasThink, which automatically identifies Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) calibration requirements from collision repair estimates. Mobile Tech RX allows ADAS calibration companies to capture all required work, streamline processes and client communication, maximize billable revenue with automated dynamic pricing, and more in oneplatform.
“ADAS calibration companies have lacked a platform that decisively connects every aspect of their business and can be seamlessly operated on a mobile device,” said Eric Garves, co-founder of Mobile Tech RX. “The Mobile Tech RX connected ADAS workflow powered by adasThink sets a new standard for repairers, who can now guarantee every aspect of the repair is completed, billed, and documented correctly, driving efficiency, reducing liability, and maximizing profit on every job.”
The Mobile Tech RX connected ADAS workflow enables repairers to generate ADAS reports from CCC, Mitchell, or Audatex, identify required, potential, and optional calibrations, capture photos and documentation in real time, convert ADAS reports into estimates, work orders, and invoices, store OEM position statement and procedures alongside each job, all from a phone.
NABC Recycled Rides Presents Vehicles to Service Members in Wisconsin, California, Illinois
The National Auto Body Council's (NABC) Recycled Ridesprogram presented three refurbished vehicles to a National Guard reservist, a veteran, and a National Guardsman in three states July 21, with support from insurance carriers and collision repair partners.
In Milwaukee, a reservist in the Wisconsin Air National Guard received a refurbished vehicle during a presentation at American Family Field ahead of the Brewers' game against the New York Mets. The donation was made possible by vehicle donor American Family and repair partner Gerber Collision & Glass. Hakeem Williams, a member of the 115th Security Forces Squadron, was nominated by Stand Down Madison.
In Fontana, CA, a veteran of the California Army National Guard received a 2020 Kia Sportage LX donated by GEICO and refurbished by Fix Auto Fontana. Julius Temple was nominated by Palisades Dolphin Strong, a nonprofit formed by Palisades High School alumni to support wildfire recovery in Pacific Palisades.
In Woodbridge, IL, a U.S. Army National Guardsman from Chicago received a 2019 Kia Optima LX donated by GEICO and refurbished by Crash Champions, during the 24th Annual Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) Golf Fundraiser at Seven Bridges Golf Club. Hector Gutierrez, a project coordinator for Veterans Path to Hope, was nominated by his own organization, which serves active-duty service members, veterans and their families across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.
