Welcome to Driving Change, the official blog of the Cool Air Rebate Program (CAR) program! I’m Nathan Perrine, Executive Director of the Car Care Council and Chief Financial Officer of the Auto Care Association. Each month, I share news, insights and stories that highlight how CAR is helping reduce harmful R134a emissions, improve air quality and provide affordable A/C repairs across California.
In this April edition, we’re celebrating a major milestone (100+ approved repair shop partnerships), a new collaboration with the Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA) and the growing momentum behind CAR’s statewide expansion.
WHAT’S NEW: Celebrating 100+ Approved Repair Shops Across California
We’ve officially surpassed 100 approved repair shops across California and, with new applications rolling in daily, momentum continues to build. Shops are eager to join a movement focused on affordability, sustainability and community impact.
What’s more, this growth has been largely organic. Instead of relying on large-scale advertising, we leaned heavily into our partnerships — with NAPA, ASCCA, the Bureau of Automotive Repair and local shops — to spread the word.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. From customers grateful for affordable repairs to business owners energized by new opportunities, the program is proving to be a win-win for all involved.
IN FOCUS: Our Partnership with the Automotive Service Councils of California
Our collaboration with ASCCA, the state’s largest network of independent automotive repair professionals, has been critical to CAR’s success. Its trusted statewide network has helped us reach more motorists and extend the program’s impact in meaningful ways.
Most shops in our program are independently owned. Many are entrepreneurs who are deeply rooted in their communities and looking for ways to make a difference. That made ASCCA a natural partner.
ASCCA has opened doors to their leadership and membership, helping us build trust and spark meaningful conversations. A recent ASCCA-hosted webinar with our onboarding team led to a surge in interest, with ten shops applying that same day. Peer-to-peer recommendations have also helped ease automotive repair shop concerns and demonstrate how simple it is to join, participate and get paid.
“We are excited to work with the CAR Program to provide more savings and benefits to our members and their customers,” said Dave Kusa, ASCCA President. “This program not only helps drivers save money but also supports environmental responsibility – values that are at the core of ASCCA’s mission.”
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Statewide Launch Preparation
The CAR Program has steadily expanded, week by week, from Sacramento to San Diego. What started as a small group of early adopters has become a movement, with shops stepping up for both the financial opportunity and the community mission at the heart of the program.
This is about more than just repairs. It’s about investing in people, strengthening neighborhoods and driving long-term, systemic change. So far, CAR has reinvested nearly $1 million back into local communities. These additional funds help shop owners hire new technicians, buy necessary equipment and support nearby businesses.
For consumers, the savings are real: the average customer pays just $275 instead of $1,375 for eligible A/C repairs. That extra $1,100 can go toward essentials like groceries, medical bills or even debt repayment.
The benefits ripple outward. Participating shops gain access to new customers, boost their visibility and become leaders in purpose-driven business. They also contribute to public health by helping reduce R134a emissions.
Some shops have made CAR a core part of their brand. In Bakersfield, McWilliams and Walden produced their own promotional video and dedicated a webpage to the program. By leaning into the mission, they’ve deepened community trust and grown their business, demonstrating that CAR benefits both their customers and their business.
WHAT’S NEXT: May 8th Statewide Launch
Mark your calendars: on May 8, we’re hosting a statewide celebration at Bill McAnally Racing NAPA Autocare in Antelope to recognize our 100th participating shop and everything the CAR Program has accomplished.
Bill McAnally Racing is known for its high-quality service, environmental responsibility and community focus. Bill was one of the program’s earliest supporters, so his shop is the perfect place to mark this milestone.
The event also aligns with NAPA Auto Parts’ 100th anniversary, creating a moment of shared pride with deep industry roots. We’ll be joined by shop owners, elected officials, environmental leaders and community partners who’ve helped bring CAR to life.
As we celebrate, we’re also looking ahead. Our goal is to onboard hundreds of new shops by summer and invest $2.5 million directly into participating businesses in 2025. May 8 is our moment to reflect on our journey so far and get excited about what’s next.
