Looking for something to read waiting for the fireworks or the barbecue to cook? Why not catch up on any Repairer Driven News highlights you missed?

Here’s a few from our recent coverage:

Technology

IHS expert: Get ready for ‘tremendous use’ of aluminum sheet on vehicle exterior; truck beds going composite

Nissan: Four 2016 models can’t reuse rearview mirrors; non-OEM bumper fascia, windshield might affect safety tech

Nissan: Common collision repair situations require certain tech be calibrated

Nissan: Scan every vehicle after a collision repair, and likely also before one

Honda: Ridgeline truck bed can take an punch; cool speaker feature shouldn’t be body shop hassle

FCA: Scan to ensure multistage airbag squibs have blown or risk chemicals, explosive

FCA to body shops, insurers: Scan every vehicle before and after any repair

2016 Toyota Tacoma’s 1,480 MPa steel first for company in N. America, first on a truck

Education

AMi undergoes major overhaul, has new front-office tracks, 100 online courses for mechanical, collision industries

Colo. high schooler wins second consecutive SkillsUSA refinishing gold (photo gallery)

Repair operations

White House, Congress offer $7.5M to ease occupational licensing transfers across state lines

Survey: Only 19% shops itemize paint materials, but majority of requests reimbursed; paint labor rate median at $50

Need to clear coat to the edge of a repaired panel in CCC? See new DEG video.

Market trends

Mitchell: Record-high auto lease rate found by Experian could be good for collision repairers, auto insurers

Legal

Fla. judge rejects ‘steering’ advice, throws out entire Tenn. auto body shop lawsuit against insurers

Insurance

Insurer background checks on shop employees — and vice versa — could be DRP consideration

Collision repairers warn insurers of dangers of cutting corners in Demotech industry magazine

Anderson: Gains seen in shops reimbursed for refinish procedures

Featured image: You won’t be able to weld cars made out of fireworks. (Viorika/iStock)