By SEMA Editors

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists has launched Repairer Driven News (RDN)—an online news portal for headlines, analysis and in-depth reports on current events from the collision-repair vantage point.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has announced the launch of Repairer Driven News (RDN)—an online news portal for headlines, analysis and in-depth reports on current events from the collision-repair vantage point. Currently available in desktop and mobile optimized browsers, RDN was formed to offer fresh perspective on issues that matter most to those in the collision-repair business, according to SCRS.

"A well-informed industry is a more viable industry, and we want to empower those in our trade through better awareness," advised SCRS Chairman Ron Reichen. "It is our belief that collision repairers will identify with Repairer Driven News as their own, and that our exploration of business, regulatory and technology issues from the vantage point of the repairer will provide understanding and assistance to business owners and operators we serve."

The website is free of charge and provides a streamlined approach to delivery of news and information for those wishing to browse content. Registered users will be able to receive custom notifications through a daily, weekly or monthly e-mail digest. SCRS has also worked to develop a soon-to-be-released iOS mobile app that will be able to receive alerts as news breaks, with an Android version slated for later in 2015.

John Huetter will serve as RDN's editorial content director. “I'm excited to bring my background in business and online journalism to Repairer Driven News,” he said. “I'm looking forward to giving the industry—from fledgling auto technicians to tenured shop owners—an easy-to-use news portal with fresh insight that gets right to the stories and analysis they need. We want to be timely and responsive in getting information in the hands of the industry, and are really excited about the potential we have to focus attention on news and stories that matter most.”

Sign up for RDN's daily, weekly, or monthly e-mail newsletter by visiting www.repairerdrivennews.com.

The shooters at KGP Photography got some great, tack-sharp shots of a prototype for the ’17 GMC Acadia, providing a great look at the all-new version of the big crossover/SUV. The prototype is clearly the GMC variant, due to its squared-off wheel wells, along with a taped-over center cap on the front wheel that still manages to show GMC badging.

This next-generation GMC Acadia prototype is reportedly moving to GM's new Chi architecture, which is said to result in a slightly downsized crossover, more along the lines of the Nissan Pathfinder or Ford Explorer. This smaller footprint—which seems to be evident in these new spy shots—means that the Acadia will lose some of its status as a minivan alternative, and will become more of a traditional SUV/crossover alternative.

The new Chi architecture will also underpin the next Cadillac SRX, Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave. The Chi architecture has provisions for standard- and long-wheelbase variants, so it is possible that the next Acadia and/or Traverse will be offered in two configurations—similar to the attack taken with the five- and seven-passenger Hyundai Santa Fe models.

Sources at AutoPacific say to expect engines to range from a direct-injected four-cylinder, the familiar 3.6L direct-injected V6, along with a new 2.7L turbocharged V6—all mated to the new nine-speed automatic co-developed with Ford.

This next Traverse is expected to reach the market sometime in 2016 as a ’17 model.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography got some great, tack-sharp shots of a prototype for the ’17 GMC Acadia, providing a great look at the all-new version of the big crossover/SUV. The prototype is clearly the GMC variant, due to its squared-off wheel wells, along with a taped-over center cap on the front wheel that still manages to show GMC badging.

This next-generation GMC Acadia prototype is reportedly moving to GM's new Chi architecture, which is said to result in a slightly downsized crossover, more along the lines of the Nissan Pathfinder or Ford Explorer. This smaller footprint—which seems to be evident in these new spy shots—means that the Acadia will lose some of its status as a minivan alternative, and will become more of a traditional SUV/crossover alternative.

The new Chi architecture will also underpin the next Cadillac SRX, Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave. The Chi architecture has provisions for standard- and long-wheelbase variants, so it is possible that the next Acadia and/or Traverse will be offered in two configurations—similar to the attack taken with the five- and seven-passenger Hyundai Santa Fe models.

Sources at AutoPacific say to expect engines to range from a direct-injected four-cylinder, the familiar 3.6L direct-injected V6, along with a new 2.7L turbocharged V6—all mated to the new nine-speed automatic co-developed with Ford.

This next Traverse is expected to reach the market sometime in 2016 as a ’17 model.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography got some great, tack-sharp shots of a prototype for the ’17 GMC Acadia, providing a great look at the all-new version of the big crossover/SUV. The prototype is clearly the GMC variant, due to its squared-off wheel wells, along with a taped-over center cap on the front wheel that still manages to show GMC badging.

This next-generation GMC Acadia prototype is reportedly moving to GM's new Chi architecture, which is said to result in a slightly downsized crossover, more along the lines of the Nissan Pathfinder or Ford Explorer. This smaller footprint—which seems to be evident in these new spy shots—means that the Acadia will lose some of its status as a minivan alternative, and will become more of a traditional SUV/crossover alternative.

The new Chi architecture will also underpin the next Cadillac SRX, Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave. The Chi architecture has provisions for standard- and long-wheelbase variants, so it is possible that the next Acadia and/or Traverse will be offered in two configurations—similar to the attack taken with the five- and seven-passenger Hyundai Santa Fe models.

Sources at AutoPacific say to expect engines to range from a direct-injected four-cylinder, the familiar 3.6L direct-injected V6, along with a new 2.7L turbocharged V6—all mated to the new nine-speed automatic co-developed with Ford.

This next Traverse is expected to reach the market sometime in 2016 as a ’17 model.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

By SEMA Editors

	Featuring $30,000 in aftermarket parts and accessories, the Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler JK Sport featured at the 2014 SEMA Show raised $85,000 to benefit SEMA Cares charities during the recent Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

During the 10-day auction, Barrett-Jackson recorded more than $130 million in vehicle sales (unaudited) and a world record $6.55 million in automobilia sales (unaudited), making it the highest auction in sales to date.

“This year’s Scottsdale auction was on a scale unlike anything in our 44-year history,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “From sales and consignments to our ratings on Discovery and Velocity, we smashed records at every level. Our week kicked off with a gala and continued to build excitement with our largest vehicle consignment in history, including the sale of the Ron Pratte Collection on Tuesday. Everyone who attended this year’s Scottsdale auction was a part of automotive history.”

The 10 charity auctions included:

• ’15 Jeep Wrangler Custom SUV, donated by SEMA to benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction – $85,000
• ’50 GM Futurliner, donated by Ron Pratte to the Armed Forces Foundation – $4.65 million
• ’15 BMW M5, donated by BMW to BMW Car Club of America Foundation and Tire Rack Street Survival Program – $800,000
• ’16 Cadillac CTS-V, donated by GM to benefit College for Creative Studies – $170,000
• ’79 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hurst, donated by Joe Riley for Cancer Research Fund at TGen in memory of Russ and Brian Jackson – $140,000
• ’39 Cadillac LaSalle C-Hawk Custom Roadster, donated by Bubba Watson for Birdies for the Brave – $410,000
• ’15 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible “1st Retail,” donated by GM for United Way – $800,000
• ’99 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR Busch Series Stock Car, donated by Jeff Gordon and Ray Evernham for Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation – $500,000
• Ford Shelby GT350R VIN #001 Coupe, donated by Ford for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – $1 million
• ’14 Victory Cross Country 8-Ball Motorcycle, anonymously donated to benefit Ride 2 Recovery – $180,000

In addition to the record-setting docket, a record number of bidders attended the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for a chance to purchase from the wide range of American muscle, European classics, exotic sports cars and one-of-a-kind customs. The top 10 cars sold in Scottsdale include:

• ’66 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake – $5.1 million
• ’50 GM Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus – $4 million
• ’54 Pontiac Bonneville Special Motorama Concept Car – $3.3 million
• ’49 Talbot-Lago T-26 Grand Sport Franay – $1.65 million
• ’65 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster – $1.595 million
• ’55 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing – $1.1 million
• ’37 Mercedes-Benz 320B Cabriolet – $1.045 million
• ’36 Delahaye “Whatthehaye” Street-Rod – $671,000
• ’91 Ferrari F40 – $643,500
• ’53 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet – $643,500

By SEMA Editors

	Featuring $30,000 in aftermarket parts and accessories, the Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler JK Sport featured at the 2014 SEMA Show raised $85,000 to benefit SEMA Cares charities during the recent Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

During the 10-day auction, Barrett-Jackson recorded more than $130 million in vehicle sales (unaudited) and a world record $6.55 million in automobilia sales (unaudited), making it the highest auction in sales to date.

“This year’s Scottsdale auction was on a scale unlike anything in our 44-year history,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “From sales and consignments to our ratings on Discovery and Velocity, we smashed records at every level. Our week kicked off with a gala and continued to build excitement with our largest vehicle consignment in history, including the sale of the Ron Pratte Collection on Tuesday. Everyone who attended this year’s Scottsdale auction was a part of automotive history.”

The 10 charity auctions included:

• ’15 Jeep Wrangler Custom SUV, donated by SEMA to benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction – $85,000
• ’50 GM Futurliner, donated by Ron Pratte to the Armed Forces Foundation – $4.65 million
• ’15 BMW M5, donated by BMW to BMW Car Club of America Foundation and Tire Rack Street Survival Program – $800,000
• ’16 Cadillac CTS-V, donated by GM to benefit College for Creative Studies – $170,000
• ’79 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hurst, donated by Joe Riley for Cancer Research Fund at TGen in memory of Russ and Brian Jackson – $140,000
• ’39 Cadillac LaSalle C-Hawk Custom Roadster, donated by Bubba Watson for Birdies for the Brave – $410,000
• ’15 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible “1st Retail,” donated by GM for United Way – $800,000
• ’99 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR Busch Series Stock Car, donated by Jeff Gordon and Ray Evernham for Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation – $500,000
• Ford Shelby GT350R VIN #001 Coupe, donated by Ford for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – $1 million
• ’14 Victory Cross Country 8-Ball Motorcycle, anonymously donated to benefit Ride 2 Recovery – $180,000

In addition to the record-setting docket, a record number of bidders attended the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for a chance to purchase from the wide range of American muscle, European classics, exotic sports cars and one-of-a-kind customs. The top 10 cars sold in Scottsdale include:

• ’66 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake – $5.1 million
• ’50 GM Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus – $4 million
• ’54 Pontiac Bonneville Special Motorama Concept Car – $3.3 million
• ’49 Talbot-Lago T-26 Grand Sport Franay – $1.65 million
• ’65 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster – $1.595 million
• ’55 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing – $1.1 million
• ’37 Mercedes-Benz 320B Cabriolet – $1.045 million
• ’36 Delahaye “Whatthehaye” Street-Rod – $671,000
• ’91 Ferrari F40 – $643,500
• ’53 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet – $643,500

By SEMA Editors

	Featuring $30,000 in aftermarket parts and accessories, the Omix-ADA Jeep Wrangler JK Sport featured at the 2014 SEMA Show raised $85,000 to benefit SEMA Cares charities during the recent Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

During the 10-day auction, Barrett-Jackson recorded more than $130 million in vehicle sales (unaudited) and a world record $6.55 million in automobilia sales (unaudited), making it the highest auction in sales to date.

“This year’s Scottsdale auction was on a scale unlike anything in our 44-year history,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “From sales and consignments to our ratings on Discovery and Velocity, we smashed records at every level. Our week kicked off with a gala and continued to build excitement with our largest vehicle consignment in history, including the sale of the Ron Pratte Collection on Tuesday. Everyone who attended this year’s Scottsdale auction was a part of automotive history.”

The 10 charity auctions included:

• ’15 Jeep Wrangler Custom SUV, donated by SEMA to benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction – $85,000
• ’50 GM Futurliner, donated by Ron Pratte to the Armed Forces Foundation – $4.65 million
• ’15 BMW M5, donated by BMW to BMW Car Club of America Foundation and Tire Rack Street Survival Program – $800,000
• ’16 Cadillac CTS-V, donated by GM to benefit College for Creative Studies – $170,000
• ’79 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hurst, donated by Joe Riley for Cancer Research Fund at TGen in memory of Russ and Brian Jackson – $140,000
• ’39 Cadillac LaSalle C-Hawk Custom Roadster, donated by Bubba Watson for Birdies for the Brave – $410,000
• ’15 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible “1st Retail,” donated by GM for United Way – $800,000
• ’99 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR Busch Series Stock Car, donated by Jeff Gordon and Ray Evernham for Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation – $500,000
• Ford Shelby GT350R VIN #001 Coupe, donated by Ford for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – $1 million
• ’14 Victory Cross Country 8-Ball Motorcycle, anonymously donated to benefit Ride 2 Recovery – $180,000

In addition to the record-setting docket, a record number of bidders attended the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for a chance to purchase from the wide range of American muscle, European classics, exotic sports cars and one-of-a-kind customs. The top 10 cars sold in Scottsdale include:

• ’66 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake – $5.1 million
• ’50 GM Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus – $4 million
• ’54 Pontiac Bonneville Special Motorama Concept Car – $3.3 million
• ’49 Talbot-Lago T-26 Grand Sport Franay – $1.65 million
• ’65 Shelby Cobra 427 Roadster – $1.595 million
• ’55 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing – $1.1 million
• ’37 Mercedes-Benz 320B Cabriolet – $1.045 million
• ’36 Delahaye “Whatthehaye” Street-Rod – $671,000
• ’91 Ferrari F40 – $643,500
• ’53 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet – $643,500

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Wyoming House Transportation Committee is considering legislation to provide for the issuance of a single license plate for motor vehicles that were not originally equipped with a display bracket on the front of the vehicle.

Legislation to provide for the issuance of a single license plate for motor vehicles that were not originally equipped with a display bracket on the front of the vehicle is being considered by the Wyoming House Transportation Committee. If enacted, the law would take effect July 1, 2015.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Wyoming House Transportation Committee is considering legislation to provide for the issuance of a single license plate for motor vehicles that were not originally equipped with a display bracket on the front of the vehicle.

Legislation to provide for the issuance of a single license plate for motor vehicles that were not originally equipped with a display bracket on the front of the vehicle is being considered by the Wyoming House Transportation Committee. If enacted, the law would take effect July 1, 2015.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Wyoming House Transportation Committee is considering legislation to provide for the issuance of a single license plate for motor vehicles that were not originally equipped with a display bracket on the front of the vehicle.

Legislation to provide for the issuance of a single license plate for motor vehicles that were not originally equipped with a display bracket on the front of the vehicle is being considered by the Wyoming House Transportation Committee. If enacted, the law would take effect July 1, 2015.

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.