FCA Announces ‘Drive for Design’ Contest Winners

Three students from Michigan and California have taken the top spots in this year’s FCA Drive for Design contest. Entries submitted from high school students in grades 10-12 from across the country were reviewed virtually by FCA’s automotive design team. The 10-week competition asked students to sketch a Ram truck of the future. For detailed contest rules and information, visit www.FCAdrivefordesign.com. (PRNewsfoto/FCA)

Three students from Michigan and California have taken the top spots in this year’s FCA Drive for Design contest. Entries submitted from high school students in grades 10-12 from across the country were reviewed virtually by FCA’s automotive design team and special guest judge Josh Welton. This year’s 10-week competition asked students to sketch a… Continue reading FCA Announces ‘Drive for Design’ Contest Winners

Vintage Air Designing and Manufacturing PPE

Vintage Air, a manufacturer of air conditioning systems for muscle cars, hot rods and street rods, has turned to designing and manufacturing personal protective equipment amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The company, with input from family practice physician Dr. Brett M. Woehr of San Antonio, Texas, is releasing a limited run of CS-1 professional-grade, high-visibility face… Continue reading Vintage Air Designing and Manufacturing PPE

QA1 Hosts Socially Distanced Cruise

Last week, over 400 vehicles joined QA1, a manufacturer of suspension and driveline products, for the first ‘Get Out and #goDRIVEit Cruise.’ With social distancing in mind, drivers remained in their vehicles while enjoying 100-miles of cruising through the Minnesota River Valley. The cruise was designed so people could get out and drive their vehicle,… Continue reading QA1 Hosts Socially Distanced Cruise

SEMA Hosting COVID-19 Recovery Webinars

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

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

America’s favorite full-size pickup, the 2020 Ford F-150 is the tough, smart and capable partner that suits every need from die-hard work truck to trail bashing pre-runner.

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