Category Archives: aftermarket

Mercedes-Benz USA Offers Customization of Sprinter Vans

Mercedes-Benz USA said today that its new VanSolution is starting for the customization of Sprinter and eSprinter Cargo Vans. VanSolution premieres with foundational shelving upfits, starting at $3152, directly installed by Ranger Design at the Mercedes-Benz USA Vehicle Processing Center in Ladson, South Carolina.

“This new approach underscores Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience and driving excellence in the commercial vehicle sector. By leveraging our extensive dealer network and industry-leading expertise, we are reshaping the way vocational upfits are delivered, ensuring that our customers receive integrated solutions that streamline both the ordering and invoicing process,” said Iain Forsyth, Director, Product Management and Marketing, Vans. Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, design and styling, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Annals of  Off-Road Marketing – Silverado EV ZR2

Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) today unveiled the Silverado EV ZR2 off-road race truck “concept” at the Mint 400 off-road race, where the truck will also compete as part of the Hall Racing team’s lineup. The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept joins the team’s Silverado ZR2 and Colorado ZR2 race trucks. Chad Hall will drive the all-electric off-road race truck in the Open Production EV class.

“There is no better proving ground to test the limits of our vehicles than competitive racing,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept, which uses 98% GM production parts, showcases some of the best of Chevrolet to produce a beyond-capable pickup to tackle a challenging race of the Mint 400’s magnitude.” Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, electric vehicles, marketing, new vehicle, performance, racing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Qualified Vehicle Modifier Tweaked at Ford Pro

“LocateFordWorkTrucks.com helps reduce the wait times associated with traditional upfitting, helping ensure our customers can get the vehicles they need to drive their businesses forward,” said Esteban Plaza-Jennings, upfit strategy manager, Ford Pro. “This is just another example of how we’re committed to simplifying operations and helping customers be more efficient.” Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, manufacturing, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Counterfeit Airbag Threat Still Growing

“While this issue is in the news once again, sadly it is not new. For nearly a decade, Honda has been involved in efforts to stop the sale and trafficking of counterfeit airbags, including helping establish an industry-wide coalition of automakers known as the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council or “A2C2.” In the effort to keep these life-threatening parts from entering the supply chain, our coalition has provided expert testimony in court, accompanied Department of Homeland Security officers on counterfeit raids, and trained law enforcement officers who play a critical role in identifying and taking down illicit counterfeit operations.

“Undoubtedly, these actions save lives, but the best solution is to stop these fake airbags from reaching the market in the first place. To do that, we need to give law enforcement the tools and authority they need to act. That’s why Honda has been at the forefront of a national effort to expand the narrow authority law enforcement currently has, primarily under federal trademark law. I’m proud to say we’ve made significant progress: 38 states have adopted our model legislation prohibiting the trafficking of fake airbags. However, with consumers in 12 more states still unprotected, and the fact that vehicles frequently cross state lines, we still have work to do. Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, news analysis, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Goodyear to Sell Dunlop Brand to Sumitomo Rubber Industries

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell the Dunlop brand, together with certain associated intellectual property, to Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (TYO: 5110). The deal includes trademarks and intangible assets necessary for operations of the brand business in Europe, North America and Oceania for consumer, commercial and other specialty tires. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, other customary closing conditions and consultations and is expected to close by mid-2025.

“This is another important milestone as we continue to execute against our Goodyear Forward transformation plan. We are optimizing our portfolio and reducing leverage to drive sustainable and substantial shareholder value creation,” said Mark Stewart, Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President. “Not only does the transaction deliver significant value for our shareholders, it better positions Goodyear to enhance our focus on the growth of our core brands.” Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, car sharing, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, motorcycles, news analysis, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Milestones 2025 – the Goodyear Blimp 100th Anniversary

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) will celebrate the 100th anniversary in 2025 of the Goodyear Blimp with flights over more cities to appearances at new events, and chances for fans to fly. There will also be “limited-edition … Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, aviation, marketing, milestones, news, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Clean Air Act – Power Performance Enterprises Fined

Louisiana-based company Power Performance Enterprises Inc. (PPEI) and its president and owner, Kory B. Willis, were sentenced yesterday in federal court in Sacramento, California, for violating and conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act by tampering with the monitoring devices … Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, awards, car sharing, electronics, environment, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, litigation, news analysis, public health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Odometer Tampering

Drew Mitchell Schreiber, of Orlando, Florida, pleaded guilty yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to three counts of odometer tampering, The U.S. Justice Department said today. In all, Schreiber sold 140 rolled-back vehicles. Because many of these vehicles were more than 10 years old, Schreiber obtained so-called “exempt” titles that did not reveal the actual mileage of the vehicles.

“Just because a motor vehicle may be exempt from mileage recording on a title does not give a dealer the right to roll back odometers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “With vehicles remaining in use for longer periods of time, many Americans rely on older vehicles as their primary mode of transportation. Used car buyers deserve peace of mind knowing that the odometer reading in their vehicle is correct.” Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, car sharing, fools 'n frauds, litigation, people | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

IPR Center Warns Consumers of Chinese Counterfeit Airbags

CBP officers at U.S. ports of entry are looking at imports – particularly those from China – for shipments suspected of containing counterfeit automotive parts. During fiscal year 2023, CBP and HSI seized ~20,000 shipments containing goods that violated Intellectual Property Rights, equating to nearly 23 million counterfeit items. The total estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the seized goods would have amounted to over $2.75 billion had they been genuine parts. Out of those shipments, ~100,000 items were counterfeit automotive goods, with a MSRP of over $10 million. Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, fools 'n frauds, manufacturing, quality, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Annals of Marketing – VW Gewürz Ketchup Brand

Volkswagen of America announced today that VW part number 00010 ZDK-259-101, VW Gewürz Ketchup Brand, a condiment used to dress VW currywurst, will be available in the U.S. for a limited time. The public can claim their own bottle, distributed through DriverGear retail operation, starting today at no cost while supplies last.

“This year we’re celebrating more than a big anniversary of selling cars,” said Rachael Zaluzec, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Brand Marketing, Volkswagen of America. “We’re celebrating stories, memories, passion, and all the fun, and unexpected things that make Volkswagen the brand we are today —things like our Gewürz Ketchup Brand condiment.” Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, marketing, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

More Fines for Tampering with Emissions Control Systems

“The defendants knowingly and repeatedly flouted Clean Air Act regulations even after being told that this conduct was against the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are committed to enforcing the law and holding individuals and businesses accountable.” Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, electronics, fools 'n frauds, fuel economy or emissions, litigation, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NHTSA Issues Consumer Alert on Faulty Replacement Airbags

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that used car buyers and owners need to be aware of cheap, substandard replacement air bag inflators that can cause death or serious injury in a crash. In the last year, three people have been killed and two people have suffered life-altering, disfiguring injuries due to these faulty aftermarket replacement air bag inflators. Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, fools 'n frauds, news analysis, quality, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

SubieEvents Starts 2024 at Stafford Motor Speedway

“The joy of Subaru fans celebrating together is the best part of the SubieEvents series. We have it all, from Lightning Lap leaders to Goodwood Festival favorites to enthusiasts’ own rides, and we’re excited to share amazing vehicles and experiences with even more attendees this year,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America. Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, marketing, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NHTSA Again Warns Drivers on Steering Wheel Decals

NHTSA said it is aware of at least one other driver who suffered a severe injury from an aftermarket steering wheel decal in a vehicle crash. In that case, the driver lost sight in one eye after the rhinestone-adorned decal dislodged from the steering wheel and hit the driver in the face. Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, design and styling, news analysis, public health, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Kia and Hyundai Models Have Highest Theft Rates in 2023

Kia and Hyundai vehicles experienced the highest theft rates in 2023, breaking the years-long trend of full-size pickups topping the list, according to a new report issued by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Social media posts explaining how to steal these vehicles likely played a factor in the latest data.

“These rankings highlight the persistent threat of vehicle theft across the country,” said NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe. “NICB works with law enforcement agencies and industry partners to deploy advanced technologies and strategies to combat vehicle theft from organized criminal networks and individuals. Even as we work to deter crime, it is crucial for owners to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their vehicles.” Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, fools 'n frauds, insurance, news analysis, people | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment