Category: News

News and updates from the automotive aftermarket: performance, restyling, hot rods, and customization.

SEMA Sponsors ZEV Conversion Rebate Bill in California

California State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D-Burbank) recently introduced Senate Bill 301, a bill sponsored by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), to create a financial rebate program for converting gas and diesel-powered motor vehicles into zero-emissions-vehicles (ZEVs), the organization announced. The legislation will allow California to support small businesses and maintain its rich car… Continue reading SEMA Sponsors ZEV Conversion Rebate Bill in California

Washington, D.C. Auto Show Reports Attendance Increase

The Washington, D.C. Auto Show saw a 107% increase in year-over-year attendance, show officials reported. “Ecstatic. That is how we feel. Ecstatic to see lines of guests wrapped around the outside of the Convention Center just waiting to come in. Ecstatic to hear the great return of investment our exhibitors experienced. Ecstatic to see what… Continue reading Washington, D.C. Auto Show Reports Attendance Increase

CTDA Hosts New Year Luncheon

The California Tire Dealers Association’s (CTDA)/1-800 EveryRim hosted its New Year Luncheon last month in Santa Fe Springs, California, the organization said. Featured speakers were Dick Gust, CEO of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), and Carlstar Group’s Steve Swanson, representing the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (SEMA WTC), who both outlined the various offerings of… Continue reading CTDA Hosts New Year Luncheon

Mustang AE Delivers Test Stand for EV Manufacturer

Mustang Advanced Engineering (MAE) has delivered an end-of-line (EOL) test stand for Lion Electric, a manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles, the company announced. The test stand is designed to perform quality control testing of on-road electric trucks and buses.  The system performs performance testing, functional testing, visual inspections, and brake testing, MAE representatives said. The software… Continue reading Mustang AE Delivers Test Stand for EV Manufacturer

VP Racing Drops ‘Fuels’ From Name

VP Racing Fuels is launching a new identity for the corporation, its products and programs, and will be now known as “VP Racing,” the company announced. “We are excited to announce an updated identity for VP,” said Alan Cerwick, VP Racing’s president and CEO. “This change is a better reflection of the vitality of our… Continue reading VP Racing Drops ‘Fuels’ From Name

Vortech Superchargers, Paxton Automotive Join AFR Group

Vortech Superchargers and Paxton Automotive have joined the Air Flow Research, SCAT Cranks, RaceTec Pistons and Procar Seating portfolio of brands, the companies announced. Vortech Superchargers produces a lineup of centrifugal compression air management solutions for automotive, marine, industrial, aeronautical and motorsports applications. “Our organization is thrilled to have Vortech Superchargers join in. There are… Continue reading Vortech Superchargers, Paxton Automotive Join AFR Group

Wilwood Named Official Disc Brakes of Triple Crown of Rodding Show

The Triple Crown of Rodding Show has named Wilwood Disc Brakes as the Official Disc Brakes of the event, the company announced. Scheduled for Sept. 8-9, the Triple Crown of Rodding show will be held at the Nashville Superspeedway in Tennessee, and is open to hot rods, street rods, classics, customs, and muscle cars up… Continue reading Wilwood Named Official Disc Brakes of Triple Crown of Rodding Show

Mickey Thompson Expands Presence at 2023 King of the Hammers

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels (M/T) will have an expanded presence at the 17th annual King of the Hammers (KOH) scheduled for Feb. 2-11 in Johnson Valley, California, the company announced. The company will be showcasing its latest off-road products on more than 20 racecars across four classes through a new Ultra4 sponsorship program, the… Continue reading Mickey Thompson Expands Presence at 2023 King of the Hammers

SEMA PRO Council Plans General Membership Meeting

The SEMA Professional Restyler Organization (PRO) Council is hosting a virtual general membership meeting later this month, the organization announced. Scheduled for Feb. 24, at 9:00 a.m. (PST), the meeting will offer updates on programs available to restylers, a chance to connect with the select committee and more. Click here for more information or to… Continue reading SEMA PRO Council Plans General Membership Meeting

2023 BIG Show to Feature SEMA Show Battle of the Builders Panel

Keystone Automotive Operations announced it will be opening its annual customer event, the 2023 BIG Show Presented by Weather Guard, with a live presentation showcasing the 2022 SEMA Show Battle of the Builders competition finalists and winners, the parts distributor announced. Scheduled for Feb. 10-11 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora,… Continue reading 2023 BIG Show to Feature SEMA Show Battle of the Builders Panel

Lucas Oil Adds to Leadership Team

Lucas Oil Products has made three additions to its leadership team, the company announced, naming Jason Bonikowske as general counsel, and promoting Nicole York to vice president of finance and Megan Burakiewicz to vice president of human resources. Prior to joining Lucas Oil as General Counsel, Bonikowske spent 16 years at CSM Sport and Entertainment… Continue reading Lucas Oil Adds to Leadership Team

Eastman Acquires Ai-Red Technology Co.

Eastman Chemical Company has acquired Ai-Red Technology (Dalian) Co., a manufacturer and supplier of paint protection and window film for auto and architectural markets in the Asia Pacific region, the company announced. This acquisition demonstrates Eastman’s commitment to driving growth in performance films and the paint protection and window film markets, the company said, and… Continue reading Eastman Acquires Ai-Red Technology Co.

Maxxsonics to Appear at MasterTech Expo 2023

Maxxsonics will be exhibiting at the MasterTech Expo 2023, scheduled for March 5-8 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona, and launching a new dealer program ahead of the event, the company announced. The event is specialized for automotive aftermarket customers, organizers said, and features professional networking, 30-plus exhibitors, automation technologies, skills competitions, demo… Continue reading Maxxsonics to Appear at MasterTech Expo 2023