Dec. 13, 2018—AkzoNobel announced this week that it's handing over the keys for its benevolence program to combine it with the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides initiative.

The recycled car initiative started in the late 1990s, when Dave Adams, owner of Dave Adams Classic Collision in Orem, Utah, saw mechanically sound vehicles with minor body damage go to salvage yards. Looking to turn the corner for disadvantaged neighbors, Adams and his technicians decided to donate their skills to recondition these vehicles and gift them to community members in need.

In 1999, Adams shared his success story at the AkzoNobel Acoat Selected North American Performance Group conference, a semi-annual event that brings together collision repair professionals, and AkzoNobel decided to help.

In 2006, the National Auto Body Council took notice of the positive impact the Benevolence Program made and asked for AkzoNobel’s guidance to help create its renowned NABC Recycled Rides program. Since launching it in 2007, NABC members have donated nearly 2,000 vehicles to individuals and non-profit organizations.