Fundraising Vehicles Stolen from Austin Hatcher Foundation

This 2018 Jeep Wrangler, built by beneficiaries of the Austin Hatcher Foundation, was stolen. The car was set to be auctioned with the funds benefiting the organization.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the pediatric cancer organization recover the lost funds…

From the Mag: Building Better Restyling Packages

Dino Perfetti, a Minneapolis-based restyler, has found that working with dealerships has been profitable for his shop, Automotive Concepts. But as Perfetti details in THE SHOP Magazine’s November issue, it’s a fine line between what will and won’t sell, so the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Council put together a new event for this year’s SEMA Show to help other restylers learn… Continue reading From the Mag: Building Better Restyling Packages

SEMA PRO Cup Challenge Aims to Open Up Eyes and Markets

The SEMA PRO (Professional Restylers Organization) Council is putting four restylers to the test this year in the Inaugural PRO Cup Challenge, a new competition that will see the participants judged on their ability to put together a marketable, creative and replicable build. The four PRO Council members—Brandon McNew, Altered Garage; Cristina Jorge, Specialty Automotive Treatments; Josh Poulson, Auto Additions; and Dino… Continue reading SEMA PRO Cup Challenge Aims to Open Up Eyes and Markets

Final Young Guns Challenger Chosen for SEMA Battle of the Builders

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced the winner of the Young Guns Fan Vote competition who will receive a prize package that includes an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2019 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot at the Show and entry into the Battle of the Builders competition. Chelsie Lesnoski of Penticton,… Continue reading Final Young Guns Challenger Chosen for SEMA Battle of the Builders

SEMA High School Program Expands from 1 to 10 Programs in 2 Years

The SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program, now entering its third year, will provide 10 high schools with hands-on-learning opportunities and expose hundreds of students to the $44.6 billion automotive specialty equipment industry. The program began in 2017, with one vehicle and one high school. Using donated parts from 23 SEMA member manufacturers, students from Santa Fe Early… Continue reading SEMA High School Program Expands from 1 to 10 Programs in 2 Years

DEI Announces Two New Hires

DEI, aftermarket heat and sound control specialists, have announced two new supervisory positions. Former DEI employee Mike Zenone has been rehired as the company’s inside sales supervisor. John Gabriel has been hired as DEI’s powersports division manager. Zenone, previously worked for a decade with DEI as the company’s brand manager and manager of business development… Continue reading DEI Announces Two New Hires

Lexus Offering Special Edition 2020 NX 300

Lexus has announced the second Black Line Special Edition on the NX 300, now on both the FWD and AWD models.  Both exterior and interior design elements have been added to highlight the 2020 NX 300’s styling, while adding the latest in Lexus multimedia connectivity with the addition of standard Android Auto integration. The 2020 NX… Continue reading Lexus Offering Special Edition 2020 NX 300

AM General and Jeep Partner to Develop New Light Tactical Concept Vehicle

AM General, manufacturer of light tactical vehicles, has partnered with Jeep and introduced a new light tactical concept vehicle at the Annual Meeting and Exposition of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA). The Jeep Gladiator Extreme Military-Grade Truck (XMT) by AM General is the first phase of a collaboration that reunites two companies whose… Continue reading AM General and Jeep Partner to Develop New Light Tactical Concept Vehicle

From the Mag: The Power of Packages

Courtney Pahlke from Top Coverage, a Chicago-area restyler, has plenty of experience working with dealerships. In the November issue of THE SHOP Magazine, Pahlke offered up some wisdom on how dealers can enhance their inventory and really harness the power of packages. The Right Ride Pahlke says a successful dealership package starts with vehicle selection, and… Continue reading From the Mag: The Power of Packages

SEMA PRO Cup Challenge Emphasizes Vehicle Marketability

The SEMA PRO (Professional Restylers Organization) Council is putting four restylers to the test this year in the Inaugural PRO Cup Challenge, a new competition that will see the participants judged on their ability to put together a marketable, creative and replicable build. The four PRO Council members-”Brandon McNew, Altered Garage; Cristina Jorge, Specialty Automotive… Continue reading SEMA PRO Cup Challenge Emphasizes Vehicle Marketability

LINE-X XS-100 Polyurea Earns Approval for Military Use

LINE-X, an IXS Coatings Company and developer of durable, field-proven polyurea coatings for consumer, commercial and defense applications, has announced one of its polyurea hybrid formulations, LINE-X XS-100, has received approval from the DOD CARC Commodity Office at Aberdeen Proving Ground, in accordance with Military Performance Specification 32440 (MIL-PRF-32440). The rigorous testing and evaluation process… Continue reading LINE-X XS-100 Polyurea Earns Approval for Military Use

TOTE CADDY Trash Can Transporter by Great Day, Inc. ~ Model TC5000 ~ Made in the USA!

Millions of people across the US struggle with lifting, dragging or hauling that ole blue (or whatever color) trash can down long driveways once a week to the designated pick up point. And, like the U S Mail’s slogan, it has to be done if it is 100 degrees, raining, snowing or whatever! Great Day’s… Continue reading TOTE CADDY Trash Can Transporter by Great Day, Inc. ~ Model TC5000 ~ Made in the USA!

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes and Larsen Motorsports Start Scholarship Program

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes has partnered with Larsen Motorsports (LMS) to establish a scholarship program that addresses the talent shortage facing the automotive industry, specifically collision repair. With the newly established Blazing Trails Scholarship Fund, Blazing Trails, a non-profit organization, will add a specific focus on automotive service and collision repair programs at the postsecondary level… Continue reading Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes and Larsen Motorsports Start Scholarship Program