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U.S. Senators Introduce Bill to Combat Catalytic Converter Theft Nationwide U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, and Ron Wyden, D-OR, introduced legislation to combat the rise in catalytic converter theft. The Preventing Auto Recycling Theft (PART) Act would ensure law enforcement can more effectively address these thefts by marking each converter with a traceable identification number and establishing converter theft as a criminal offense.
locate stolen car parts, we will be one step closer in the fight to end catalytic converter theft.” Catalytic converters are used to reduce the potency of toxic emissions from an internal combustion engine and required for vehicle compliance with the Clean Air Act. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts rose by more than 325% from 2019 to 2020. Replacing these parts imposes significant financial costs to vehicle owners, often between $500 to $2,300, and can even result in a total loss to the vehicle. The PART Act would:
“Throughout the country, we’ve seen an alarming increase in catalytic converter theft. These converters can be easily taken from unattended cars but are difficult and expensive for car owners to replace,” said Klobuchar. “By making catalytic converter theft a criminal offense and ensuring each converter can be easily tracked, our legislation would provide law enforcement officers with the tools and resources they need to crack down on these crimes.” “The theft of catalytic converters hurts the pocketbooks of working families and small business owners already struggling with rising costs,” said Wyden. “By strengthening local law enforcement’s ability to
Require new vehicles to have a Vehicle Identification number (VIN) stamped onto the converter to allow law enforcement officers to link stolen parts to the vehicle from which they originate Create a grant program through which entities can stamp VIN numbers onto catalytic converters of existing vehicles Improve record keeping standards for purchasers of used catalytic converters Establish enforceability of laws around catalytic converter theft by codifying these crimes as a criminal offense
41 YEARS
Vol. 41 / Issue 01 / January 2023 REGIONAL NEWS
From Horse-Drawn Carriages To Electric Cars: After 145 Years, Oakland, CA, Auto Repair Shop Changes Hands By Ricky Rodas The Oaklandside
For decades, Ron Arth’s days began and ended at George V. Arth & Son, his family’s 145-year-old auto repair shop on 10th Street in downtown Oakland, CA. As owner, Arth worked alongside a faithful crew and his trusty assistant of 43 years, Renee Camp. “I have customers who come in and say, ‘I used to come in with my grandpa,’ and I’d say, ‘yeah unfortunately I remember your grandpa,’” Arth joked in a recent interview. But the end of an era—a long era—has come for the family-owned auto shop. On Nov. 29, the national
Ron Arth, middle right, stands next to his father George W. Arth, middle left, and his longtime crew at George V. Arth & Son on 10th St. in downtown Oakland, CA. Credit: Courtesy of Ron Arth
auto repair company Crash Champions announced its acquisition of Oakland’s oldest—and perhaps the nation’s oldest—mechanic’s garage. Heidi Foster, senior vice l CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
REGIONAL NEWS
Fix Network World Launches First Auto Glass Apprenticeship Program in U.S.
The bill has received the endorsement of the National Automobile Dealers Association, the American Truck
Fix Network World proudly announced the approval of the Fix Network Apprenticeship Program (FNAP) in the State of Washington for automotive glass technicians. The Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council voted unanimously in October at its quarterly meeting to approve the workforce development program. This Registered Apprenticeship is governed by standards outlined under WAC 296-05-009 and covers
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 10
Columnist Mike Anderson: Are You Itemizing Vehicle Prep Steps Necessary Prior to ADAS Calibrations?
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Columnist Abby Andrews: Future Technology Presents Liability Concerns for Collision Repairers
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Columnist Stacey Phillips: OEConnection’s RepairLogic Platform Helps Shops Find Accurate OEM Information
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Columnist John Yoswick: How to Get Entry-Level Collision Repair Techs Productive Quickly
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