From vehicle donations and scholarship deadlines to supplier agreements and acquisitions, here's a roundup of recent industry announcements.
Hunter Engineering partners with RockED for advisor training
Hunter Engineering announced a partnership with people development platform RockED to deliver service advisor training through Hunter University, Hunter's global learning platform. The microlearning program focuses on helping service advisors communicate vehicle inspection results to customers and support more consistent service interactions.
"This partnership aligns with our mission to elevate the automotive service experience through accessible, impactful education," said Matthias Stoever, CEO at RockED.
NABC Recycled Rides presents vehicles to veterans
The National Auto Body Council presented vehicles to military veterans in multiple states this month.
Zawadi Johnson, a Southern California U.S. Marine Corps veteran and father of two, received a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Limited on Jan. 23 in Hesperia, CA. Liberty Mutual donated the vehicle and Fix Auto Desert Valley handled the refurbishment. Johnson served from 2014-2018 and had been relying on a bicycle and public transportation as a full-time college student.
Three additional veterans received vehicles with a bonus: tire socks from ISSE North America for winter driving in Wisconsin and Colorado. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran from Wisconsin received a 2020 Honda CR-V EX (GEICO/Caliber Collision), a U.S. Army veteran with two Purple Hearts received a 2023 GMC Sierra (USAA/Crash Champions), and a U.S. Air Force combat veteran received a 2024 Toyota Highlander (USAA/Crash Champions).
CARSTAR New Hope to host first responder training
CARSTAR New Hope in Minnesota will host an NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.) training on Jan. 31. First responders from across the Minneapolis region will learn extrication techniques for late-model vehicles, including working with high-strength steel, multiple airbags, and EV/hybrid powertrains. Allstate donated the training vehicles. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT at 3941 Quebec Avenue in New Hope.
PPG named sole coatings supplier for Quality Collision Group
PPG has been named sole supplier of automotive refinish coatings for Quality Collision Group's body shops, which includes more than 95 collision repair centers across 13 states. PPG will provide its premium coatings along with digital tools such as its VisualizID color matching system, MoonWalk automated mixing system, and LINQ color software, as well as consulting services through PPG Collision Services analytics.
"We are pleased to provide all of Quality Collision Group's locations with tools to help the company deliver higher levels of productivity," said Rodolfo Ramirez, PPG vice president, Automotive Refinish, Americas. “Through a combination of industry-leading digital solutions, liquid paint and allied products, we are confident we can help Quality Collision Group service more vehicles at a higher level of quality than ever before.”
WIN opens applications for 2026 collision repair scholarships
The Women's Industry Network (WIN) is accepting applications for its 2026 collision repair scholarships through March 6, administered in partnership with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF).
U.S. students can apply for four award levels ranging from tools and mentorship to $2,500 scholarships with conference passes. A new $1,000 Canadian Scholarship Award is also available. In 2025, WIN supported a record 30 female students.
“WIN’s Student Membership program also provides access to a number of valuable resources and opportunities in addition to scholarship opportunities,” says Tracy Bracht WIN 2026 Scholarship/Student Relations Committee Chair. “WIN's commitment to driving the future of the industry is anchored by our investment in women aspiring to work in collision repair.”
Color Systems acquired by PSE Group
Color Systems, a Rhode Island-based automotive paint distributor serving collision repair centers across Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, has been acquired by PSE Group. Founded in 1971, Color Systems has been led by Steven Choiniere, who acquired it from his father more than 30 years ago.
PSE Group operates more than 75 locations across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast; the acquisition expands its footprint into Greater New England and brings it to 77 locations across 17 states.
Hertrich Collision Centers acquires Bramble Body Shop
Hertrich Collision Centers acquired Bramble Body Shop in Easton, MD, its 15th location. Bramble Body Shop was founded in 1986 and is led by D'Arcy Bramble Jr. and Donna Marie Bramble. Hertrich emphasized its growth strategy focuses on long-term partnerships rather than rapid scale.
"Collision repair is a people business," said Fred Hertrich IV. "Growth only works when it protects culture, preserves leadership, and creates opportunity for the teams who built these businesses."
Carolinas Collision Association opens tool grant applications
The Carolinas Collision Association is accepting applications for its 2026 Tool Grant Program, which awards $2,000 grants to students entering collision repair in North and South Carolina. In 2025, the program provided eight students with grants.
Applications are accepted through Feb. 28, with recipients announced April 1. Applicants must be sponsored by a CCA member school; schools can join at no cost through the association's website.
AASPMN announces scholarships and go-kart fundraiser
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota will award up to $20,000 in scholarships to students enrolled in ASE-accredited automotive programs. Awards range from $500 to $2,000 for tuition or tools; applications should be submitted by March 31 at aaspmn.org/scholarships.
The association's 24th Annual Race for Automotive Education is Feb. 23-26 at ProKart Indoor Racing in Burnsville, MN. Teams compete in go-kart racing at speeds up to 40 mph, with proceeds supporting student scholarships.
Massachusetts association returns to original name
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts returned to its original name, the Massachusetts Auto Body Association (MABA), effective Jan. 1, 2026, following the disbanding of AASP National at the close of 2024.
Executive Director Lucky Papageorg said the change eliminates the need to explain the AASP acronym when visiting shops. The association continues to push for labor reimbursement rate reform following a favorable report from the Auto Body Labor Rate Advisory Board.
