As Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) prepares to resume its North American manufacturing operations, the company has developed and is implementing a comprehensive program of enhanced safety measures to protect employees, their families and the surrounding communities from the spread and transmission of COVID-19 when the plants reopen. “Above everything else, our top priority has always… Continue reading FCA Restarting North American Production
Tag: Trends
Even in Quarantine, There’s Plenty to Keep Enthusiasts Busy
Automotive columnist and author Rob Siegel is one of many car enthusiasts grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and what it has meant for everyday life, as well as his hobby. But even though he can’t caravan for 17 hours down the East Coast to his favorite BMW rally, Siegel has found that there’s still plenty… Continue reading Even in Quarantine, There’s Plenty to Keep Enthusiasts Busy
Aftermarket eCommerce Up 42% Since March
Aftermarket parts and accessories eCommerce is up 42% since the first week of March 2020, according to Hedges & Company data. Hedges & Company, a digital marketing agency serving the automotive aftermarket, OEM parts and powersports industries, is tracking weekly eCommerce activity in the automotive aftermarket, OEM parts and powersports aftermarket industries. The company analyzed… Continue reading Aftermarket eCommerce Up 42% Since March
FCA Announces ‘Drive for Design’ Contest Winners
Three students from Michigan and California have taken the top spots in this year’s FCA Drive for Design contest. Entries submitted from high school students in grades 10-12 from across the country were reviewed virtually by FCA’s automotive design team and special guest judge Josh Welton. This year’s 10-week competition asked students to sketch a… Continue reading FCA Announces ‘Drive for Design’ Contest Winners
Pickup Trucks Outsell Cars for the First Time
Pickup trucks outsold the entire car segment in April, according to a report from Bloomberg, marking the first time the pickup segment has completely outsold coupes, sedans and hatchbacks. Outselling cars by 17,000 units, the report largely cites increased vehicle deliveries in middle America, as well as the low interest rates currently offered by manufacturers,… Continue reading Pickup Trucks Outsell Cars for the First Time
4 Wheel Parts Offering Free Services for Essential Workers
4 Wheel Parts is offering free inspections, alignment and tire rotations to all first responders, medical and essential workers at 4 Wheel Parts installation locations through May 31, the company announced. “We want to thank all nurses, doctors, firefighters, police officers, EMTs and essential workers for all their efforts in these trying times. We want… Continue reading 4 Wheel Parts Offering Free Services for Essential Workers
Yokohama Reopens Mississippi Tire Plant
Yokohama Corporation of North America (YCNA) has announced that its plant in West Point, Mississippi, has reopened. Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi (YTMM), which produces commercial truck tires, came back online April 27. The plant temporarily closed as a precautionary measure in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure the health and welfare of all personnel… Continue reading Yokohama Reopens Mississippi Tire Plant
Car Wash Disinfecting Vehicles for Essential Workers During COVID-19 Crisis
Like distilleries turned hand sanitizer manufacturers and other industries pivoting to provide products crucial in the fight against COVID-19, Autobell Car Wash has shifted its focus from car washing to providing an essential vehicle Interior Disinfectant service to help flatten the coronavirus curve. Already in the research and development process since last fall of adding… Continue reading Car Wash Disinfecting Vehicles for Essential Workers During COVID-19 Crisis
Icahn Automotive Providing Scholarships to Future Automotive Techs
Icahn Automotive, which owns and operates repair and maintenance providers Pep Boys, AAMCO, Precision Tune Auto Care and RPM Automotive, will award $30,000 in scholarships for the 2020-2021 school year. Twelve scholarships of $2,500 each will be available to qualified students studying to become professional automotive technicians. Students can begin the application process here. This… Continue reading Icahn Automotive Providing Scholarships to Future Automotive Techs
SEMA Survey Shows Consumers Still Working on Cars
The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t kept people out of the garage as consumers and auto enthusiasts are still spending plenty of time working on their cars, according to a recently conducted SEMA survey. While the survey found that people are driving less, about 35% of respondents said that they are using their extra time at home… Continue reading SEMA Survey Shows Consumers Still Working on Cars
Texas Motor Speedway Hosting Socially Distanced Graduation Ceremonies
Texas Motor Speedway will be hosting graduation ceremonies for Denton County, Texas, high schools, the track announced. During the ceremony, graduates will accept their diploma in-person in “Victory Lane” providing a memorable ending to a senior year filled with uncertain times. Event details, including the specific dates and times of each commencement, will be announced… Continue reading Texas Motor Speedway Hosting Socially Distanced Graduation Ceremonies
Learning How to Pivot: Running a Restyling Shop in the Time of COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic has forced restylers to make many difficult business decisions…
Ford Collaborating with MANN+HUMMEL on Air Purifiers
MANN+HUMMEL will collaborate with Ford Motor Company in the rapid development and production of powered air purifier respirators, the companies announced. MANN+HUMMEL, the parent company of WIX Filters, will supply the HEPA filter in the Ford-produced respirator, which will be worn by healthcare workers when treating COVID-19 patients. To date, MANN+HUMMEL produces, tests and ships… Continue reading Ford Collaborating with MANN+HUMMEL on Air Purifiers
Alcantara Re-Opens Italian Production Facility
Alcantara is re-opening its Nera Montoro, Italy, production and R&D facilities north of Rome to supply demand for its “Made in Italy” automotive interior material. Alcantara voluntarily closed the facility, which has 500 employees, in late March in response to the COVID-19 crisis, although it was authorized to stay in production. “Our decision to close… Continue reading Alcantara Re-Opens Italian Production Facility
Key Performance Indicators Report — April 2020
A comprehensive source for industry insights, exclusive interviews, new and used vehicle data, manufacturing summaries, economic analysis, consumer reporting, relevant global affairs and more…