SEMA has announced the final three installments of its six-part webinar series featuring tips and resources for navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The final three webinars will focus on planning for the future in a strategic manner and how to emerge from the pandemic in a stronger position than before. Hosted by Mike Brown, founder and… Continue reading SEMA Hosting COVID-19 Recovery Webinars
Category: News
News and updates from the automotive aftermarket: performance, restyling, hot rods, and customization.
USMA Providing COVID-19 Resources for Racers
The United States Motorsport Association has created a toolkit for racers, teams and racetracks containing best practices for the resumption of racing following COVID-19-related restrictions. The toolkit includes guidelines for reopening racetracks, as well as best practices for participants, track staff, media and fans during events. Click here to access the toolkit.
2020 CAN Connect Conference Cancelled
The Custom Automotive Network Board of Directors have cancelled the upcoming 2020 CAN Connect Conference, which was scheduled to be held from September 13-16 in Frisco, Texas. “With the continued COVID-19 advice regarding social distancing, unpredictable future outbreaks, ongoing company travel restrictions and the financial impact on our members’ businesses, we feel this is the… Continue reading 2020 CAN Connect Conference Cancelled
Online Sales for Aftermarket Shops
Even as shelter-in-place orders around the country are lifted, consumers might still be hesitant to make unnecessary trips out of the house, meaning a solid online presence is more important than ever. Barry Alt, a digital strategist specializing in restoration, performance and race shops, has some tips to make sure your shop’s online sales capacity… Continue reading Online Sales for Aftermarket Shops
Michigan Custom Shop Building New Facility
Blue Collar Muscle, Rods and Customs is currently in the process of building a new 20,000 sq. ft. facility in East Leroy, Michigan, and is documenting the whole build on its Facebook page. Eric Meyer, of Blue Collar, provided an update on the build in the first edition of its email newsletter, showing some renderings… Continue reading Michigan Custom Shop Building New Facility
Madico Window Films Get Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Approval
Madico, a manufacturer of window tint and films, has been awarded the Seal of Recommendation by The Skin Cancer Foundation for its automotive, architectural and safety and security window films, which block 99% or more of UVA and UVB radiation. “The Skin Cancer Foundation has set the standard for educating the public and the medical… Continue reading Madico Window Films Get Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Approval
Pickup Trucks Outsell Cars for the First Time
Pickup trucks outsold the entire car segment in April, according to a report from Bloomberg, marking the first time the pickup segment has completely outsold coupes, sedans and hatchbacks. Outselling cars by 17,000 units, the report largely cites increased vehicle deliveries in middle America, as well as the low interest rates currently offered by manufacturers,… Continue reading Pickup Trucks Outsell Cars for the First Time
Car Toys Reopening Stores
Car Toys, a mobile electronics retail chain, is reopening stores in response to lifted shelter-in-place orders in Texas and Colorado. All of the company’s Texas locations have opened while a majority of locations in Colorado have opened, with the remaining to open by May 8. “When you come back you will find many precautionary changes… Continue reading Car Toys Reopening Stores
4 Wheel Parts Offering Free Services for Essential Workers
4 Wheel Parts is offering free inspections, alignment and tire rotations to all first responders, medical and essential workers at 4 Wheel Parts installation locations through May 31, the company announced. “We want to thank all nurses, doctors, firefighters, police officers, EMTs and essential workers for all their efforts in these trying times. We want… Continue reading 4 Wheel Parts Offering Free Services for Essential Workers
Continental Promotes Sean Lannoo to Sales Technical Training Supervisor
Continental, a manufacturer of systems, components and tires to automobile and truck manufacturers, has named Sean Lannoo as the sales technical training supervisor for the company’s VDO, REDI-Sensor, ATE, Autodiagnos and ClearContact aftermarket product lines. The announcement was made by Liam Dent, Head of Special Vehicles and Technical Training, who noted, “We are delighted to… Continue reading Continental Promotes Sean Lannoo to Sales Technical Training Supervisor
Yokohama Reopens Mississippi Tire Plant
Yokohama Corporation of North America (YCNA) has announced that its plant in West Point, Mississippi, has reopened. Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi (YTMM), which produces commercial truck tires, came back online April 27. The plant temporarily closed as a precautionary measure in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure the health and welfare of all personnel… Continue reading Yokohama Reopens Mississippi Tire Plant
Expanded Book by ZZ Top Guitarist Features His Wildest Hot Rods
Expanded on the occasion of ZZ Top’s 50th anniversary year, Billy F Gibbons: Rock + Roll Gearhead, throws wide Gibbons’ garage and studio doors for an exclusive look at the exquisite vintage and way-out custom guitars and the influential hot rods and custom cars of the Grade-A Texas gearhead. From the near-mythical ’59 Les Paul… Continue reading Expanded Book by ZZ Top Guitarist Features His Wildest Hot Rods
Drift Racer Pays Tribute to Carroll Shelby
Champion Brands, a manufacturer of racing and performance products, announced Jonathan Nerren’s new race livery, a tribute to Carroll Shelby’s classic liveries. Nerren will be utilizing Champion’s line of motor oils specifically formulated to meet the demands of today’s high-performance competition vehicles in the Formula Drift Series. “We wanted the new model Shelby Mustang to… Continue reading Drift Racer Pays Tribute to Carroll Shelby
Car Wash Disinfecting Vehicles for Essential Workers During COVID-19 Crisis
Like distilleries turned hand sanitizer manufacturers and other industries pivoting to provide products crucial in the fight against COVID-19, Autobell Car Wash has shifted its focus from car washing to providing an essential vehicle Interior Disinfectant service to help flatten the coronavirus curve. Already in the research and development process since last fall of adding… Continue reading Car Wash Disinfecting Vehicles for Essential Workers During COVID-19 Crisis
NHRA Issues Schedule Update
NHRA officials announced that they are working with state and local officials as well as host tracks and teams on a revised Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule, which will be announced soon. The season is expected to resume, with fans in attendance, in August, and will consist of 18 total events for 2020, including… Continue reading NHRA Issues Schedule Update