Mitch Williams Joins RIGID Industries

RIGID Industries has appointed Mitch Williams as its new president, the company announced. “Mitch Williams is a seasoned leader with a proven track record in the industry,” said Doug Wolma, president of safety solutions for Clarience Technologies, the parent company of RIGID Industries. “RIGID continues to grow and today enjoys its position as the preferred… Continue reading Mitch Williams Joins RIGID Industries

Martin & Company Named Agency of Record for D&C Designs

Martin & Company has been named Agency of Record for D&C Designs, the company announced. In 2014, two Brothers Danny and Chris Wehunt founded D&C Designs and offer a selection of Jeep and off-road lighting products. “Martin & Company is one of just a few agencies specializing in the specialty aftermarket,” said D&C Designs President… Continue reading Martin & Company Named Agency of Record for D&C Designs

Visteon Appoints New VP of Investor Relations

Visteon Corporation has appointed Ryan Wentling as vice president of Investor Relations and Treasurer, effective immediately, the company announced. He succeeds Kris Doyle, who will transition to vice president of Operations Finance and FP&A. Wentling is responsible for managing investor relations, treasury, strategic planning and corporate development. Prior to Visteon, Wentling served in various roles… Continue reading Visteon Appoints New VP of Investor Relations

Oracle Previews Jeep Beach Appearance

Oracle Lighting will exhibit during the annual Jeep Beach event, held in Daytona Beach, Florida, the company announced. “Jeep Beach is the ideal event to showcase Oracle Lighting’s Jeep-specific lighting solutions,” explained Melissa Parker-Boudreaux, Oracle Lighting National Sales Manager. “As an American company that designs our products with pride in Louisiana, Jeep is an iconic… Continue reading Oracle Previews Jeep Beach Appearance

Combatting the Technician Shortage

Our industry is facing a worker shortage, but there are factors in our favor for winning over new employees.

This article originally appeared in the May 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. One of the constant issues I hear about from all shops is a shortage of skilled technicians and/or installers. Why is this and how can we work around or with it? Let’s dive in! Q: Why is it so hard to find… Continue reading Combatting the Technician Shortage

Alps Alpine Names New CTO, VP of Engineering

Mobile electronics manufacturer Alps Alpine North America has named Mike Kenhard as its new chief technical officer (CTO) and vice president of engineering, the Auburn Hills, Michigan-based company announced. Kenhard brings an extensive background in the automotive industry as well as a history of leading various teams, the company said, using his skills as a… Continue reading Alps Alpine Names New CTO, VP of Engineering

Heat & Sound Control: In the Comfort Zone

Take every opportunity to make your customers comfortable. (Photo courtesy Design Engineering Inc.)

This article originally appeared in the May 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. For many drivers, there’s no place better than behind the wheel of their favorite vehicle. Is it possible for custom shops to further enhance that experience? Heat and sound control products deliver a safer, more comfortable cruise. Separately or combined, thermal and… Continue reading Heat & Sound Control: In the Comfort Zone

Turn 14 Distribution Adds Raxiom to Line Card

Performance parts distributor Turn 14 Distribution has added Raxiom’s range of automotive lighting products to its line card, the company announced. “Turn 14 Distribution is very excited to add Raxiom to our lighting category. This innovative, new brand of lighting will continue to help us grow in the domestic performance and truck channels. Raxiom’s top-selling… Continue reading Turn 14 Distribution Adds Raxiom to Line Card

CES 2023: Technology & the Automobile

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas highlights the space where automobiles and technology converge. (Photo courtesy Consumer Technology Association)

This article originally appeared in the May 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. There’s no doubt that as cars go electric and become laden with more tech, it may be more accurate to consider them electronic devices with tires. That’s why the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is such a hotbed for automakers. While… Continue reading CES 2023: Technology & the Automobile

JL Audio Signs Heritage Marketing Solutions for Illinois, Wisconsin Sales

JL Audio, a manufacturer of mobile, marine and powersports market audio solutions, has appointed Heritage Marketing Solutions to its network of sales representatives, the company announced. Itasca, Illinois-based Heritage Marketing Solutions will be responsible for promoting and selling JL Audio products to Illinois and Wisconsin 12-volt retailers, the company said. “We are pleased to welcome… Continue reading JL Audio Signs Heritage Marketing Solutions for Illinois, Wisconsin Sales

Ford Pro Adds Digital Rearview Mirror as Factory Option

Ford Pro is adding a digital rearview mirror as a factory option, the automaker announced. The new digital rearview mirror will be available on 2023 Ford Transit and E-Transit vans. The Digital Rearview Mirror features a high-definition monitor that displays a panoramic view of the area behind the van, allowing drivers to spot cyclists, pedestrians… Continue reading Ford Pro Adds Digital Rearview Mirror as Factory Option

AudioControl President Alex Camara Leaves Company

Alex Camara will be leaving his positions as executive vice president, AAMP Global, and president, AudioControl, to pursue new opportunities, effective March 1, AAMP Global announced. Camara will remain a shareholder in AAMP Global and an observer to the company’s board of directors. Camara acquired AudioControl in 2013 as it served as a supplier for… Continue reading AudioControl President Alex Camara Leaves Company

Interior Lighting: A Glow From Within

Shops can look to emulate top luxury models with aftermarket products and kits. (Photo courtesy Mercedes-Benz)

This article originally appeared in the March 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Automotive interiors are getting brighter. Ambient lighting has become a selling point. Perhaps the one manufacturer most famous for leading the pack in interior lighting is Mercedes-Benz. Its ambient lighting packages are among the brightest and most prolific, and other automakers have… Continue reading Interior Lighting: A Glow From Within

PROJECT X Named Official Lighting Partner of Ultra4

PROJECT X has been named the Official Lighting Partner of Ultra4 USA for the 2023 and 2024 race seasons, the company announced. PROJECT X first began participating in Ultra4 USA in 2021, with support from brand ambassadors Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Loren Healy’s unlimited class race cars, the company said. “We are excited to join… Continue reading PROJECT X Named Official Lighting Partner of Ultra4