KPI — March 2022: The Brief

More than 440.8 million COVID-19 cases and 5.9 million deaths have been confirmed across the globe. Vaccination efforts remain a top priority among health and government officials, with the ultimate goal of reaching herd immunity. Approximately 10.5 billion doses have been administered around the world, with 215 million Americans, or 65.3% of the total U.S.… Continue reading KPI — March 2022: The Brief

KPI — March 2022: State of Business — Automotive Industry

Global Light Vehicle (LV) sales crossed the finish line at 81.3 million units in 2021. Despite a 5% year-over-year increase, the global market remains down 10% compared to 2019. The new year started on a positive note, with volume in China up 4.6%. Some markets across Europe also posted strong improvement, including Germany and the… Continue reading KPI — March 2022: State of Business — Automotive Industry

KPI — March 2022: Recent Vehicle Recalls

2014 Kia Soul Vehicles Affected: Approximately 128,300 model-year 2014 Kia Souls are being recalled. The Problem: In January, the company issued a recall because the airbag control unit cover was coming into contact with a memory chip, thus potentially damaging the electrical circuits in later-model (2017-2019) Souls and Soul EVs. Now, the airbag control unit… Continue reading KPI — March 2022: Recent Vehicle Recalls

KPI — March 2022: State of the Economy

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased .8% in February on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising .6% in January, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The all-items index increased 7.9% before seasonal adjustment over the past 12 months – the largest increase since January 1982. Key Takeaways, Courtesy of… Continue reading KPI — March 2022: State of the Economy

KPI — March 2022: Consumer Trends

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® decreased again in February. The Index now stands at 110.5 (1985=100), down from 111.1 in January and 115.8 in December. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – improved to 145.1 from 144.5 last month. The Expectations Index – based… Continue reading KPI — March 2022: Consumer Trends

Ukraine Invasion Impacting Supply Chain, Inflation

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens to further disrupt global supply chains just as shipping delays were poised to improve, according to a recent report from Yahoo News. Russia’s attack in late February sent oil prices surging, and energy costs are expected to remain high, making the transportation of goods much more expensive, while also having… Continue reading Ukraine Invasion Impacting Supply Chain, Inflation

E.C.D. Automotive Adds 3-D Rendering for Customers

E.C.D. Automotive Design (E.C.D.) has added a new step in its bespoke car design process by crafting a photorealistic design video of each client’s unique custom build ahead of the project’s completion, the builder announced. Created with 3-D creation tool Unreal Engine by Epic Games, which has been used in film, television and video games,… Continue reading E.C.D. Automotive Adds 3-D Rendering for Customers

Driven Racing Oil Launches Content-Driven Partnership Program

Driven Racing Oil, a manufacturer of performance oils and lubricants, is launching a new partnership program intended to create new relationships with racers and enthusiasts as well as generate additional content, the company announced. Through the new program, Driven Racing Oil is seeking to build a team of grassroots motorsports athletes, enthusiasts and content creators… Continue reading Driven Racing Oil Launches Content-Driven Partnership Program

Piston Foundation Partners with Lime Rock Park

The Piston Foundation has formed a new partnership with Lime Rock Park in which both parties will have an active role in providing automotive career opportunities for those who want to learn and practice the skilled trades, the organization announced. “The Piston Foundation’s mission is to promote and fund skilled-trade education to create rewarding career… Continue reading Piston Foundation Partners with Lime Rock Park

Keystone Automotive Operations Opens Florida Distribution Center

Today, Keystone Automotive Operations is opening a new distribution center in Ocoee, Florida, the company announced. The 200,000-sq.-ft. Orlando area facility will service the company’s automotive, RV and marine retail customer base throughout the state. The location brings Keystone’s network of nationwide distribution centers to eight in addition to 37 stand-alone cross-dock facilities, increasing the… Continue reading Keystone Automotive Operations Opens Florida Distribution Center

KENWOOD USA Releases Training Schedule for Mastertech Expo

KENWOOD USA has released its training session schedule for the upcoming Mastertech Expo, the company announced. KENWOOD will be joined by installers Dean Beyett and Fernando Lopez of Five Star Car Stereo to present on “The Modern Deck and Four” during a training class at the Mastertech Expo in Mesa, Arizona, on March 7 at… Continue reading KENWOOD USA Releases Training Schedule for Mastertech Expo

Webinar: Small Business Tax Tips

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) will provide tips for tax season in an upcoming webinar, the organization announced. Scheduled for Mar. 2 at 12 p.m. ET, CPA Kristi Stone will provide answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERC or ERTC) and updates for tax season, the organization said.… Continue reading Webinar: Small Business Tax Tips

MidwayPlus Launches New B2B Software Platform for Aftermarket

MidwayPlus has launched a new B2B software platform for the automotive aftermarket, the company announced. MidwayPlus is a patent-pending, B2B software solution that enables automotive brands to service direct resellers in one platform, the company said. The software features a transaction engine, a brand-to-reseller social feed, and a marketplace where brands manage client interactions, MidwayPlus representatives… Continue reading MidwayPlus Launches New B2B Software Platform for Aftermarket