TPG and Allianz Lead Investment in Cambridge Mobile Telematics
Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) announced a USD 350 million strategic investment led by TPG and Allianz X, with participation from State Farm. The new investors will accelerate CMT’s expansion in three key areas: scaling its global road safety platform, advancing AI models for real-time driving risk assessment and crash detection, and growing adoption of the new Universal Driving Score.
TPG is making its investment through The Rise Funds, the multi-sector strategy of its global impact investing platform, and Allianz, a leading global insurer, is investing via Allianz X, its strategic investment arm.
“We are working closely with OEMs and automotive partners globally to drive forward the future of mobility,” said Tomas Kunzmann, CEO of Allianz Partners. “CMT's technology enables us to provide even more tailored and data-driven insurance and assistance services to our partners and customers, ensuring peace of mind along the whole customer journey.”
“For State Farm, the investment reflects its commitment to leveraging technology to better serve the more than 90 million policies it holds across the U.S., including through more accurate risk assessment that benefits customers directly,” said Sara Frankowiak, State Farm Vice President & Actuary. “CMT’s platform moves us closer to a world where crash prevention is possible for every driver. As a mutual company with a history of helping people protect what matters most, safer drivers mean better outcomes for everyone — and lower cost of coverage for our customers.”
SCRS Announces Candidates and Details for 2026 Annual Election Meeting
Active members of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) are invited to take part in the annual election meeting for the SCRS Board of Directors on Tuesday, April 21. The event will be held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Concord Resort and Spa immediately following the SCRS Open Meeting from 2:00-5:30 pm.
The election meeting will begin at 6:00 pm and conclude at 6:30 pm. You must be a current, designated voting representative of an SCRS member businesses to attend. You do not have to be a member to attend the open board meeting.
This election will four open board seats, and candidates include incumbent nominees Tony Adams of LeadersWay; Andrew Battenhorst of Pacific Collision Center; and Michael Giarrizzo Jr. Of DCR Systems. The new nominees are Max Keller of Conestoga Collision and John Picciano of Flower Hill Auto Body.
Driven Brands Collision Group Announces 2026 “Impact” Conference in Chicago, Illinois
The Driven Brands Collision Group announced the 2026 Impact Conference, which will take place July 15-17 at the Hilton Chicago in Chicago, Ill. Franchise partners from Abra, CARSTAR, and Fix Auto USA, along with Driven Brands team members, vendors, and industry leaders, will unite for the fourth annual U.S. collision repair conference.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of impactful events and experiences throughout the three-day conference, including a Deep Dish Dash Charity Walk, an opening night event, educational sessions, and an awards gala honoring franchise partners.
“We’re excited to bring the network together in Chicago for Impact 2026,” said Damien Reyna, chief operating officer, Driven Brands Collision Group. “This conference represents an opportunity to align, strengthen our collective vision, and leave a meaningful, lasting impact on our network and the industry.”
Crash Champions Earns 2026 Great Place To Work Certification™
Crash Champions, which operates more than 650 collision repair centers in 38 states and Washington D.C., announced it was certified Great Place To Work®. The award is based on what current employees say about their experience working at Crash Champions.
This year, 77% of team members said Crash Champions is a “great place to work,” according to Crash Champions.
“We’re thrilled to earn a Great Place To Work certification and consider it a reflection of the culture that our team members reinforce every day,” said Founder and CEO Matt Ebert.
ACPN Announces 2026 Explorer Program Scholarship Winners
The Aftermarket Content Professionals Network (ACPN), a community of the Auto Care Association, announced the winners of this year’s ACPN Explorer Program. Thanks to the ponsorship of United Motor Products, the ACPN Explorer Program was able to offer scholarships to two recipients for 2026.
Alichia Dyson of Arnott Suspension Products and Juergen Rau of Atlantic Im- & Export Corporation are the 2026 ACPN Explorer Program scholarship winners. Each recipient will receive a scholarship valued at over $3,000, which will cover most of the costs associated with attending ACPN programming during the Auto Care Association’s Auto Care Connect event.
VISION 2026 Delivers Hours of Training to Automotive Professionals from Around the World
The 34th Annual VISION Hi-Tech Training and Expo, presented by the Midwest Auto Care Alliance, was held March 5-8 in Kansas City for automotive service professionals. With more than 3,800 attendees from 47 states and seven countries, this year’s event welcomed 487 companies attending for the first time and 1,424 first-time attendees.
“Every year VISION brings together professionals who are committed to improving themselves, their businesses, and the industry as a whole,” said VISION Co-Chair Travis Troy. “The energy, engagement, and passion we saw throughout this year’s event shows just how important education, collaboration, and community are for the future of automotive service.”
Attendees completed more than 41,468 hours of training across 122 breakout sessions, covering the latest advancements in automotive technology, diagnostics, leadership, and shop management.
NABC Recycled Rides® Program Presents Refurbished Vehicles to a Deserving Veteran and Women in Need
The National Auto Body Council's NABC Recycled Rides® program has recently completed a series of vehicle presentations, gifting refurbished cars to veterans and women in need across the country, and honoring both their service and resilience.
On March 19, at Caliber Collision in Tampa, FL, Roosevelt McCullough, a U.S. Army veteran of nearly 10 years, received a refurbished 2019 Nissan Rogue, donated by GEICO and restored by Caliber Collision technicians.
On March 26, at Driven Brands' North Carolina headquarters in Charlotte, two women nominated by the Charlotte Rescue Mission received refurbished vehicles in honor of Women's History Month. Vehicle donor Allstate and CARSTAR franchise owner Jason Zander, along with repair partners CARSTAR Auto Body of Cary and Maaco of Charlotte, made the presentations possible.
Kathy Williams, a retired educator with a master's degree who taught for 30 years, received a 2019 Hyundai Kona SEL. Adrian Moore, a dedicated mother working to reunite her family, received a Nissan Rogue SV.
Fuller Collision Group Acquires Steve's Collision Center
Fuller Collision Group (FCG), a fourth-generation, family-owned collision repair organization with more than 112 years of continuous operation, has announced the acquisition of Steve’s Collision Center in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, marking its third location
Founded in 1914, Fuller Collision Group is a fourth-generation, family-owned collision repair organization based in Central Massachusetts.
“This was about finding the right long-term home for the business,” said Brenda Lecaire, who owned and operated Steve’s Collision for 19 years. “Fuller Collision Group shares the same values around quality, people, and community, and I’m confident they’ll carry that forward.”
Driven Brands Celebrates Women’s History Month Across Abra, CARSTAR, and Fix Auto USA Networks
In recognition of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, Driven Brands Collision Group is celebrating the women making a meaningful impact across its family of collision repair brands:
Danyell Wendland of KLST Abra Franchise Group has represented the brand for 30 years.
At Abra Princeton, Meghan Rootes started as a detailer and worked her way up to general manager over 11 years.
Deanna Dahlheimer of Abra Elk River from a 27-year career in the medical field, applying her compassion and problem-solving mindset to help customers.
Cindy Gray of CARSTAR Russom's Rutherford has been with the organization for over two decades, helping integrate locations into the CARSTAR network.
Ashley Moore of CARSTAR Russom's Dyersburg has quickly become a community cornerstone since joining in 2023, coordinating toy drives, food drives, holiday events, and more.
Brieann "Brie" Hoyer serves as regional vice president for Puget Collision, overseeing operations across Oregon, Colorado, and Wyoming.
Lauren Carrera of Fix Auto Brea found her footing in a dynamic environment that rewards communication and teamwork.
Rachele Cermak, a business development specialist supporting four Southern California locations to builds community partnerships and supports internal growth.
Michelle Morris of Fix Auto Ogden works to reshape perceptions of women's careers in the field.
Stephanie Castellon of Fix Auto Ventura brings more than two decades of industry experience, leading with optimism and a collaborative spirit.
"Across Abra, CARSTAR, and Fix Auto USA, we are proud to recognize the women whose leadership, expertise, and commitment continue to shape the future of the collision repair industry," said Sabrina Thring, President, Driven Brands Collision Group. "Their impact is felt in every aspect of the business — from operations to customer experience — and they play a critical role in driving innovation, strengthening teams, and inspiring the next generation of industry leaders."
