Author: A.J. Hecht

A.J. Hecht is the managing editor of THE SHOP and host of the In Gear with THE SHOP podcast. Have an idea, a tip, or a question you’d like to see answered? Contact A.J. at ahecht@cahabamedia.com.

Report: UAW Still Seeking Pay Hikes Ahead of Contract Deadline

United Auto Workers (UAW) union President Shawn Fain said on Wednesday the union is still seeking significant pay hikes as talks continue with Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, a day before four-year labor deals are set to expire, Reuters reported. According to an earlier report from Reuters, the union may opt to strike at targeted… Continue reading Report: UAW Still Seeking Pay Hikes Ahead of Contract Deadline

MAHLE Selects Second Engine Giveaway Winner

MAHLE Aftermarket has awarded the prize for the second segment of the Powered by MAHLE Engine Giveaway, the company announced. The anonymous winner, who is based in Missouri, has been awarded a vintage Chevrolet small block engine (1967 – 2002) built by Baldwin Racing Engines of Friedheim, Missouri, featuring all applicable MAHLE components. The next… Continue reading MAHLE Selects Second Engine Giveaway Winner

Survey of Hourly Workers Identifies Top Employee Concerns

Homebase, an employee management app, recently released results from its latest survey of nearly 500 small business hourly workers on their top concerns and priorities, the company announced. The survey found the following: Despite historic inflation increases, competitive wages are NOT the top priority for hourly workers. Schedule control and flexibility (57%) and good team… Continue reading Survey of Hourly Workers Identifies Top Employee Concerns

UTI Miramar Campus Celebrates Anniversary

The Universal Technical Institute-Miramar campus celebrated its first anniversary las month on Aug. 24, the technical school announced. As the second Universal Technical Institute campus in Florida, the opening of UTI-Miramar corresponds with UTI’s ongoing strategic growth and diversification plan that includes extending its transportation, skilled trades, and energy education programs offerings in high demand… Continue reading UTI Miramar Campus Celebrates Anniversary

Wheel Pros Restructures Agreement With Lending Partners

Wheel Pros has reached a new agreement with a majority of its lenders to establish a new money term loan, a refinancing and exchange of existing debt and a maturity extension of its asset-based lending facility, the company announced. The restructured agreement will provide Wheel Pros, parent company of Fuel-Off-Road, American Racing, KMC, Rotiform and… Continue reading Wheel Pros Restructures Agreement With Lending Partners

K&N Streamlines Manufacturing, Supply Chain Operations

K&N Engineering, a manufacturer of high-performance intake systems, has completed a series of operational changes to reduce prices for its products, the company announced. Effective immediately, K&N will reduce prices across intake products within the K&N brand family, including AEM, Airaid, and Spectre. The change comes after two years of challenges due to the labor,… Continue reading K&N Streamlines Manufacturing, Supply Chain Operations

Tint World Adds Location on Florida Gulf Coast

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers is expanding its service along the Gulf Coast with a new location in Pensacola, Florida, the company announced. Tint World Pensacola, owned by John and Jennifer Mitchell, will deliver automotive aftermarket services and accessories to drivers throughout the western Panhandle area. In addition to window tint solutions, Tint World offers… Continue reading Tint World Adds Location on Florida Gulf Coast

KICKER Returns to Sand Sports Super Show

KICKER Performance Audio will be showcasing a fleet of demo UTVs at the Sand Sports Super Show in Orange County, California, the company announced. Held at the Orange County Fair and Event Center on Sept. 15-17. KICKER will feature several vehicles in its booth (9008-LI) including the brand’s own Polaris RZR, KICKER sales rep Murfco’s… Continue reading KICKER Returns to Sand Sports Super Show

Meyer Distributing Partners With Cerwin-Vega

Meyer Distributing will now carry products by Cerwin-Vega, the distributor announced. Cerwin-Vega produces a lineup of amplifiers and loudspeakers, like its Stroker Dual Spider Woofer, for home, car, motorcycle, powersport, and watercraft applications, the company said. “We are really excited to announce the partnership with Cerwin-Vega,” said Cody White, the 12V, upholstery, detail and tint… Continue reading Meyer Distributing Partners With Cerwin-Vega

Special Edition Volkswagen Golf GTI 380 to Celebrate Manual Transmission

Volkswagen of America recently introduced the 2024 Golf GTI 380, a special equipment set standard on every 2024 manual-transmission GTI. Available exclusively in the North American market, this special-edition build combination celebrates the heritage of the manual transmission during the final year of production for manual-equipped Golf GTI and Golf R, the company said. “The… Continue reading Special Edition Volkswagen Golf GTI 380 to Celebrate Manual Transmission

Honda to Adopt North American Charging Standard

Honda has reached an agreement with Tesla to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) for the charging port of its EV models that will go on sale in North America starting from 2025, the manufacturer announced. In 2025, Honda is planning to launch a new EV model in North America equipped with a NACS… Continue reading Honda to Adopt North American Charging Standard

Unplugged Performance Unveils ‘Dark Knight’ Custom Tesla

Unplugged Performance, a customizer specializing in high-performance Tesla upgrades, has revealed ‘Dark Knight’, the latest Model S-APEX Plaid from its Complete Vehicle program, a program that offers bespoke Tesla vehicles tailored to individual preferences and style. The S-APEX builds start life as a Tesla Model S Plaid, which then undergoes aerodynamic, braking, suspension and luxury… Continue reading Unplugged Performance Unveils ‘Dark Knight’ Custom Tesla

Blaupunkt Folding eBikes Now Available at Meyer Distributing

Blaupunkt folding eBikes are now available at Meyer Distributing, the company announced. The folding electric bikes weigh 47 lbs. with battery and can fold down for storage inside an RV, camper or small car or SUV, the company said. “You can do a buy-in with as little as one unit,” said Nick Gramelspacher, V.P. of… Continue reading Blaupunkt Folding eBikes Now Available at Meyer Distributing