Category: Features

The latest feature articles about the automotive aftermarket from THE SHOP.

Upgraded Stabilizer Bars Can Give Any Driver an Edge on the Track

Upgrading your stabilizer bars (sway bars) gives drivers the flexibility to fine tune specific handling characteristics of their vehicle. As a manufacturer of performance suspension, Eibach engineers our bars to work in conjunction with both the factory equipment and our performance springs to deliver a balanced system that reduces body roll while improving cornering stability and grip. About This… Continue reading Upgraded Stabilizer Bars Can Give Any Driver an Edge on the Track

Restyling: Finding the Right Formula Will Lead to Sales

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 Restyling: Finding the Right Formula Will Lead to Sales

Proper Battery Support is a Must-Have for Any Workshop

Today’s vehicles are more sophisticated than ever. A Ford F150 truck has nearly 130 million additional lines of code than an F-35 fighter jet. In 1969, Apollo 11 got to the moon and back on 4 kilobytes of data while today more than 4.1 billion kilobytes are needed for the average car to run Saturday… Continue reading Proper Battery Support is a Must-Have for Any Workshop

Mahindra Offering Factory-Installed Lift Kit for 2020 ROXOR

For model year 2020, Mahindra will offer customization with new optional features and accessories on the ROXOR, such as a factory-installed lift kit, an all-new grill design and four new standard color options. “We are extremely pleased with the success we are seeing with ROXOR,” stated Rick Haas, CEO, Mahindra Automotive North America. “Our first year has been… Continue reading Mahindra Offering Factory-Installed Lift Kit for 2020 ROXOR

VIDEO: Maximum Payload and Maximum Elevation with Shell Rotella

The Fast Lane Truck are still putting their 2019 Ram Rebel through the Shell Rotella Gas Truck Torture Test, and in the just-released third episode, take their weighed down pickup to the top of the highest road in America. With 1,000 lbs. of firewood in the bed, watch as the Youtube personalities torture their truck all the way… Continue reading VIDEO: Maximum Payload and Maximum Elevation with Shell Rotella

Key Performance Indicators Report – October 2019

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

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