Category: News

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

BendPak Expands Alabama Distribution Center

BendPak has opened a new 90,000-sq.-ft. building on its Alabama campus, nearly doubling the size of its East Coast logistics and distribution center, the company announced. The expansion has enabled the California company to increase its inventory capacity and call center staffing to provide faster order processing and shorter lead times for customers in the… Continue reading BendPak Expands Alabama Distribution Center

NFIB: Small Businesses Reporting Record Level of Job Openings

According to NFIB’s monthly jobs report, 44% of all owners reported job openings they could not fill in the current period, the organization announced. The percentage is down one point from April but still 20 points higher than the 49-year average reading, the organization said. The percent of owners reporting labor quality as their top… Continue reading NFIB: Small Businesses Reporting Record Level of Job Openings

Auto Care Association Now Accepting Award Nominations

The Auto Care Association is now accepting applications for its 2023 industry awards, the organization announced. The group is accepting nominations for the following awards: Impact Award – The Impact Award recognizes four aftermarket professionals under the age of 40 who have made outstanding contributions to the auto care industry. Auto Care Education Award –… Continue reading Auto Care Association Now Accepting Award Nominations

XOVERLAND Renews Travel Series, Film Festival

XOVERLAND has announced the location for the sixth season of its Apex Series, which will take place in southern Africa. In addition, the team has announced it will host the second XOVERLAND Film Festival and offer a full slate of new content in the coming year, the company said. For the sixth season of XOVERLAND’s… Continue reading XOVERLAND Renews Travel Series, Film Festival

AAPEX Releases Joe’s Garage Training Schedule

AAPEX–scheduled for Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, in Las Vegas–has released the schedule of technical and business management training for the 2023 AAPEX Show, organizers announced. Technical training topics include Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) calibration, battery electric vehicle (BEV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) services, electronification of the chassis, EVAP diagnostics, J2534 module programming,… Continue reading AAPEX Releases Joe’s Garage Training Schedule

Maxxsonics Launches Dealer Initiative

Maxxsonics is launching an all-new dealer initiative that will include new dealer perks and incentives, the company announced. “This is the most progressive independent specialist program Maxxsonics has ever had,” said Alden Stiefel, president of Maxxsonics. “The concept is simple: dealer profit is our focus. This is an exciting time, and I can’t wait to… Continue reading Maxxsonics Launches Dealer Initiative

Hypertherm to Exhibit at FABTECH 2023

Hypertherm Associates, a U.S.-based manufacturer of industrial cutting products and software, will be exhibiting at the upcoming FABTECH 2023, an exhibition for the fabricating, welding, and finishing industries. The company’s Hypertherm plasma and OMAX waterjet cutting technology brands will share a combined booth (Booth A4531) during the event at Chicago’s McCormick Place from Sept. 11-14.… Continue reading Hypertherm to Exhibit at FABTECH 2023

Tool Dealer Expo Exhibitors Plan Garage Equipment Giveaway

K-Tool International and Atlas Automotive Equipment are collaborating to give away a garage setup to a Tool Dealer Expo 2023 attendee, the companies announced. The Tool Dealer Expo 2023, which runs from June 9-10 in Orlando, Florida, provides attendees with a sneak preview of the exhibitors’ latest automotive products and equipment being introduced at the… Continue reading Tool Dealer Expo Exhibitors Plan Garage Equipment Giveaway

Tint World Opening Eighth North Carolina Location

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers is opening a new location in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the company announced. Tint World Fayetteville, owned by Shawn McMaster, Jaysen McMaster Foreman and Candi Krueger, will provide automotive aftermarket styling services for residents in the Fayetteville area, including service members stationed at Fort Bragg. “The three of us share a… Continue reading Tint World Opening Eighth North Carolina Location

VP Racing Renews Licensing Agreement With Mr. Brands

VP Racing has renewed its licensing agreement with Mr. Brands, an automotive accessory consumer product manufacturer, the company announced. “Mr. Brands has proven to be an incredible licensee over the past three years,” said Bob Merz, director of brand management and licensing for VP Racing. “Mr. Brands’ product quality and ever-expanding line of automotive accessories… Continue reading VP Racing Renews Licensing Agreement With Mr. Brands

CAN Connect Conference Adds Categories to New Product Showcase

The 2023 CAN Connect Conference, scheduled for Sept. 5-8 at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa, is adding three new award categories to its New Product Showcase, organizers announced. New award categories will include Best New Exterior Accessory Product, Best New Interior Accessory Product and Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product, event officials said. The previous… Continue reading CAN Connect Conference Adds Categories to New Product Showcase

PPG Expands Global Powder Coating Production Capacity

PPG is investing $44 million to upgrade five powder coating manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Latin America, the company announced. The projects are part of PPG’s strategic efforts to expand its powder coatings offerings and increase global production, the company said. The investment includes $30 million for U.S. plants and $14 million for facilities… Continue reading PPG Expands Global Powder Coating Production Capacity