Category: News

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

Sonoma Speed Festival Rescheduled

In light of the rapidly developing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its effect on public gatherings, organizers of the second annual Sonoma Speed Festival have elected to reschedule the automotive lifestyle event at Sonoma Raceway to the Labor Day long weekend, Sept. 4-6, 2020. “Sonoma Speed Festival is a social event first,” said Founder Jeff O’Neill. “As… Continue reading Sonoma Speed Festival Rescheduled

American Powertrain Adds Yukon Gear & Axle to Product Lineup

American Powertrain is now offering a full line of Yukon Gear & Axle drivetrain parts for most popular makes and models for Ford, GM and Chrysler. Additional Yukon offerings include Over-haul kits, Trac-Loc and Duragrip positraction products, along with USA Standard Gear Powr Loc Positraction for Chrysler. Yukon Gear & Axle, established in 1982 and… Continue reading American Powertrain Adds Yukon Gear & Axle to Product Lineup

AAM Group Suspends Hosting, Billing Fees for Aftermarket Websites Customers

The AAM Group is temporarily waiving the hosting and support fees for its Aftermarket Websites and Aftermarket Websites PRO customers. All account billings for hosting and support due March 24 through May 23 will be waived. Aftermarket Websites is The AAM Group’s website-building service for aftermarket accessory resellers. “AAM stands with our local resellers and… Continue reading AAM Group Suspends Hosting, Billing Fees for Aftermarket Websites Customers

Fiat Chrysler to Produce Face Masks for First Responders and Health Care Workers

(PRNewsfoto/FCA US LLC)

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is stepping in to help those at the front line of the coronavirus pandemic by manufacturing and donating more than 1 million protective face masks per month, the automobile manufacturer announced. Production capacity is being installed this week and the company will start manufacturing face masks in the coming weeks with… Continue reading Fiat Chrysler to Produce Face Masks for First Responders and Health Care Workers

Overland Expo West 2020 Rescheduled

Overland Expo West, held at Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff, Arizona, has been moved to July 24-26, 2020, organizers announced, citing the CDC’s recommendation of postponement of all gatherings of 50 or more people for eight weeks. The rest of the Overland Expo series will take place as scheduled in 2020. “Although the traditional Overland Expo… Continue reading Overland Expo West 2020 Rescheduled

Dealers United Hosting Webinar Detailing State of Industry

Dealers United will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, the group announced, showcasing insights from dealership and industry experts around the Coronavirus impact in automotive, business continuity plans, changing consumer behavior and more. This event will be led by 5 dealerships from across the US and Canada, Dealers United, and industry experts from Facebook Automotive… Continue reading Dealers United Hosting Webinar Detailing State of Industry

Melling Engine Parts Acquires Performance Springs UK

Melling Engine Parts has acquired Performance Springs UK, the company announced. Performance Springs, based in Blackpool, England, specializes in design and manufacturing of springs for the automotive and industrial sectors. Recently, Performance started supplying Melling its aftermarket needs from its 20,000 sq foot facility. “We have been so impressed with the product and staff that… Continue reading Melling Engine Parts Acquires Performance Springs UK

SEMA Issues COVID-19 Alert to Members

With constantly evolving regulations regarding COVID-19 protections, businesses are having to adapt to a rapidly changing legal landscape. Recently, several states have issued ‘Shelter in Place’ and ‘Safer at Home’ orders to limit a range of public activity, exempting businesses deemed ‘essential.’ In response, SEMA has provided a review of Federal and State directives to… Continue reading SEMA Issues COVID-19 Alert to Members

Harbor Freight Donating Protective Gear to Hospitals

Harbor Freight Tools has announced that it will be donating its entire inventory of N95 masks, face shields and 5 and 7 mil nitrile gloves to hospitals with 24 hour emergency rooms due to an ongoing shortage of the equipment. The company has asked that hospital procurement departments contact the retailer via an online portal… Continue reading Harbor Freight Donating Protective Gear to Hospitals

Champion Increases Capacity of Private Label Opportunities for Aftermarket Motor Oils, Chemicals, Additives and Lubricants

Champion Brands, a supplier of motor oils, fuel additives and other lubricants, has announced an increase in capacity of private label opportunities for aftermarket motor oils, chemicals, additives and lubricants. The company is able to expand private label opportunities after adding a fourth blow-molder and updating and upgrading production lines to bring the total number… Continue reading Champion Increases Capacity of Private Label Opportunities for Aftermarket Motor Oils, Chemicals, Additives and Lubricants

NMRA All-Star Nationals Postponed

ProMedia Events and Publishing, parent company of the Holley NMRA Ford Nationals and NMCA Muscle Car Nationals, in association with Atlanta Dragway’s parent company NHRA, have decided to postpone the NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals in response to growing restrictions on group gatherings and travel due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The NHRA has also suspended all drag… Continue reading NMRA All-Star Nationals Postponed

Tire Rack Postpones 2020 One Lap of America

Tire Rack has postponed the annual One Lap of America, the company announced. It is the first time in 37 years that the event has been postponed. Participants in the event travel to race tracks around the country over the course of several weeks. “We are in the beginning stages of a massive pandemic. Most… Continue reading Tire Rack Postpones 2020 One Lap of America

SEMA Makes Trade Show Policy Changes

SEMA has announced policy changes for the annual SEMA Show, scheduled to be held in November at the Las Vegas Convention Center. While the show is still set to take place as planned, the trade group has extended the deadline for exhibitor refunds to Sept. 1. “While all current exhibitor milestone dates for applications, deposits… Continue reading SEMA Makes Trade Show Policy Changes