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.

Michigan Automotive Country Club Nears Construction Phase

Motorsports Gateway Howell will begin construction next month on its 273-acre automotive district, developers announced. Located only one mile from downtown Howell, Michigan, Phase 1 of the district will include a 2.2-mile performance driving circuit, members clubhouse, paddock, member rentable garages, track-fronting private garage condos, and a public nature trail. The first section of the… Continue reading Michigan Automotive Country Club Nears Construction Phase

Report: U.S. Manufacturers Still Struggling with Unpredictable Supply Chain

A recent report from Reuters found that U.S. manufacturers are still struggling with an unpredictable supply chain. While materials and goods have been more readily available than the historic backlogs of the pandemic, manufacturers are still struggling, the report said. A recent survey of 179 companies by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers found 98% said… Continue reading Report: U.S. Manufacturers Still Struggling with Unpredictable Supply Chain

SEMA Issues Statement on Status of RPM Act

Despite backing from SEMA and PRI, the RPM Act is unlikely to pass during the 2021-2022 Congressional session, the trade organizations announced. According to a statement from SEMA regarding the status of the legislation, key negotiators in Congress could not reach an agreement on bill language that balanced the need for federal law to protect… Continue reading SEMA Issues Statement on Status of RPM Act

Report: Falken Ending North American Motorsports Programs

Falken Tires is ending its North American motorsports programs, according to a new report from Tire Business. Falken, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, will no longer participate in Formula DRIFT or the Amsoil Championship Off-Road series beginning in 2023, the report said. However, the company told Tire Business that it will continue some support… Continue reading Report: Falken Ending North American Motorsports Programs

Legendary Companies Acquires Zip Products

Legendary Companies has acquired Zip Products, a Virginia-based Corvette parts manufacturer and supplier, the company announced. The acquisition expands Legendary Companies’ Corvette-focused product offering, and together with Coker Tire, Paragon Corvette and Corvette Central, the acquisition of Zip represents the fourth family-owned business to be added to Legendary Companies’ portfolio of brands since partnering with… Continue reading Legendary Companies Acquires Zip Products

Atturo Tire Names New Regional Sales Director

Atturo Tire Corp. has named Jeremy Wurst as its new northeast sales director, the company announced. Wurst, who has 15 years of industry experience, will service Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, the company said, and will be served via Atturo’s warehouse in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.… Continue reading Atturo Tire Names New Regional Sales Director

IIHS Updates Longest-Running Crash Test to Address Rear Passenger Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is updating its longest-running crash test, the moderate overlap front evaluation, to address a growing gap in the protection provided for front and rear occupants, the organization announced. In the first tests, only two out of 15 small SUVs, the Ford Escape and Volvo XC40, protect the rear… Continue reading IIHS Updates Longest-Running Crash Test to Address Rear Passenger Safety

Sony Car Audio Names Build Contest Finalists

Sony Car Audio has named the finalists for its recent Sony Mobile ES build contest, according to Mobile Electronics. Contestants were tasked with building a Sony Mobile ES demo vehicle that highlights, Sony Mobile ES and demonstrates how the shop will use the vehicle as a sales tool, Mobile Electronics said. The finalists are: Absolute… Continue reading Sony Car Audio Names Build Contest Finalists