State of the Economy While many economic fundamentals remain solid, the September “SEMA Industry Indicators” report points to clear signs the economy is decelerating. The first half of the year delivered 2.6% growth relative to 3% growth in the first half of 2018. Specifically, second quarter economic growth—as measured by GDP—was unchanged at 2.0% in the third… Continue reading Key Performance Indicators Report – October 2019
Category: Features
The latest feature articles about the automotive aftermarket from THE SHOP.
Tech Support and Assistance When it Matters
Common to all shops is the need for tech support when a technician is at the crossroads of diagnosing troublesome issues or simply figuring out how something fits. We all have those days when everything goes just right, and conversely, we have all had those days when nothing goes as planned. These are the days… Continue reading Tech Support and Assistance When it Matters
From the Mag: Building Better Restyling Packages
Dino Perfetti, a Minneapolis-based restyler, has found that working with dealerships has been profitable for his shop, Automotive Concepts. But as Perfetti details in THE SHOP Magazine’s November issue, it’s a fine line between what will and won’t sell, so the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Council put together a new event for this year’s SEMA Show to help other restylers learn… Continue reading From the Mag: Building Better Restyling Packages
SEMA PRO Cup Challenge Aims to Open Up Eyes and Markets
The SEMA PRO (Professional Restylers Organization) Council is putting four restylers to the test this year in the Inaugural PRO Cup Challenge, a new competition that will see the participants judged on their ability to put together a marketable, creative and replicable build. The four PRO Council members—Brandon McNew, Altered Garage; Cristina Jorge, Specialty Automotive Treatments; Josh Poulson, Auto Additions; and Dino… Continue reading SEMA PRO Cup Challenge Aims to Open Up Eyes and Markets
Hyundai to Reveal Veloster ‘Grappler’ Concept Vehicle at SEMA Show
Hyundai will unveil the Veloster “Grappler” concept at the 2019 SEMA Show. The Grappler concept boasts increased ground clearance, combining improved approach and departure angles for off-roading capability, while custom front and rear brush guards were developed to ensure the Veloster Grappler is protected whenever the terrain turns unpredictable. The car features oversized all-terrain tires and rally-themed… Continue reading Hyundai to Reveal Veloster ‘Grappler’ Concept Vehicle at SEMA Show
SEMA High School Program Expands from 1 to 10 Programs in 2 Years
The SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program, now entering its third year, will provide 10 high schools with hands-on-learning opportunities and expose hundreds of students to the $44.6 billion automotive specialty equipment industry. The program began in 2017, with one vehicle and one high school. Using donated parts from 23 SEMA member manufacturers, students from Santa Fe Early… Continue reading SEMA High School Program Expands from 1 to 10 Programs in 2 Years
Everything You Need to Know About Switching to Waterless Coolant
Water has been used in cooling systems for over 100 years for its superior ability to transfer heat, but water has it challenges and limitations. Water promotes corrosion and has a boiling point only slightly above the coolants normal operating temperature. Evans Waterless Coolant offers a solution to overcome the drawbacks of water, whether it’s to enhance… Continue reading Everything You Need to Know About Switching to Waterless Coolant
Lexus Offering Special Edition 2020 NX 300
Lexus has announced the second Black Line Special Edition on the NX 300, now on both the FWD and AWD models. Both exterior and interior design elements have been added to highlight the 2020 NX 300’s styling, while adding the latest in Lexus multimedia connectivity with the addition of standard Android Auto integration. The 2020 NX… Continue reading Lexus Offering Special Edition 2020 NX 300
With Proper Care and Maintenance, a Lithium Battery Can Make All the Difference
Lithium is the new ‘kryptonite’ of battery technology. Light and powerful, with higher ignition start voltage and higher cranking amps—even down to 10% charge—makes this technology a must have for racers of all stripes. You lose more weight with a lithium battery and for less money than anything else! This is also a dealer’s dream… Continue reading With Proper Care and Maintenance, a Lithium Battery Can Make All the Difference
Iconic Race Cars Up for Auction
RM Sotheby’s has released the catalogue for its 13th annual London sale, led by a Ferrari Enzo alongside a host of other cars, including several Aston Martin models, a 1989 Jaguar XJR-11, a 1994 Ferrari 412 T1 Formula One car and a 1985 Lancia Delta S4 rally car. Joining the 2003 Ferrari Enzo, one of approximately… Continue reading Iconic Race Cars Up for Auction
From the Mag: The Power of Packages
Courtney Pahlke from Top Coverage, a Chicago-area restyler, has plenty of experience working with dealerships. In the November issue of THE SHOP Magazine, Pahlke offered up some wisdom on how dealers can enhance their inventory and really harness the power of packages. The Right Ride Pahlke says a successful dealership package starts with vehicle selection, and… Continue reading From the Mag: The Power of Packages
The ABCs of Merchandising
As discussed in Fear & Loathing E-commerce? Combine a Memorable In-Shop Experience with These Online Solutions, “A retailer’s goal is to extend further than the base transaction and elicit a response, an emotion. The element of wonder, anticipation and enthusiasm, no matter the industry, is best achieved by creating a destination-inspired theme.” To do so,… Continue reading The ABCs of Merchandising
SEMA PRO Cup Challenge Emphasizes Vehicle Marketability
The SEMA PRO (Professional Restylers Organization) Council is putting four restylers to the test this year in the Inaugural PRO Cup Challenge, a new competition that will see the participants judged on their ability to put together a marketable, creative and replicable build. The four PRO Council members-”Brandon McNew, Altered Garage; Cristina Jorge, Specialty Automotive… Continue reading SEMA PRO Cup Challenge Emphasizes Vehicle Marketability
VIDEO: Highlights from the Toyo Tires TrailPass Gathering
For the first time, overlanding enthusiasts gathered in Oregon for a weekend of festivities…
TOTE CADDY Trash Can Transporter by Great Day, Inc. ~ Model TC5000 ~ Made in the USA!
Millions of people across the US struggle with lifting, dragging or hauling that ole blue (or whatever color) trash can down long driveways once a week to the designated pick up point. And, like the U S Mail’s slogan, it has to be done if it is 100 degrees, raining, snowing or whatever! Great Day’s… Continue reading TOTE CADDY Trash Can Transporter by Great Day, Inc. ~ Model TC5000 ~ Made in the USA!