Category Archives: aftermarket

BMW i Ventures Invests in Skylo Technologies

Skylo has launched its initial service across US, Canada, and Europe, in partnership with major chipset makers including Qualcomm, Samsung, MediaTek, and Sony, together with the leading device OEMs and mobile carriers, such as Deutsche Telekom. Continue reading

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Manheim – Used-Vehicle Prices Drop in January

Wholesale used-vehicle prices decreased 1.0% from December during the first 15 days of January, according to data just released by industry expert Manheim.* The Manheim mid-month Used Vehicle Value Index dropped to 201.9, which was down 10.2% from the full … Continue reading

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NHTSA Consumer Alert on Steering Wheel Decorations

The product is a metal or plastic plate, usually covered with rhinestones or other shiny decorations, with an adhesive back that covers the vehicle’s logo in the center of the steering wheel. In a crash, the force of a deploying air bag can turn the product into a projectile, like shrapnel, resulting in serious injury or death.

“Unlike the permanently affixed logo on your vehicle’s steering wheel, these aftermarket decals can easily become dislodged when the air bag is deployed. Any alterations or changes to your air bag or its cover can also cause it to not function correctly,” NHTSA said. Continue reading

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Urban Automotive Custom Rolls-Royce Ghost at SEMA

Urban Automotive, a customizer of luxury automotive brands, showed its Rolls-Royce Ghost on Milltek Corporation stand at SEMA 2023. It has carbon fiber styling “upgrades, now distributed in the USA officially and exclusively by Milltek as Urban Automotive USA.” Continue reading

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Ford Performance Parts, Packages – Mustang, Bronco, Ranger

Ford Performance Parts (NYSE: F) is showing what it calls “concept packages” today at the SEMA Show that will be available to customers starting in 2024. They were created in response to customer feedback, Ford said. The packages will be available via the Ford Performance Parts website or through a dealer accessory counter. Pricing for each package will be revealed nearer each package’s on-sale date, while either a Ford dealer or ASE-certified shop can perform the installation. Continue reading

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New York Auto Repair Shop Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud

If convicted, Strocchia faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Continue reading

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Repair Shop Owner Sentenced to Prison for False Tax Return

In 2011, Ferrari used business funds to pay for personal items, including gambling on horse races. Ferrari concealed this diversion of business income by not disclosing it to his return preparer, thus causing the preparation and filing of a false corporate tax return. Furthermore, Ferrari did not pay employment taxes in the amount of $291,600 based on an unreported cash payroll, according to court documents. Continue reading

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Repair Act Introduced Again

US Representative Neal Dunn (R-FL) introduced H.R. 906, the “Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act,” as the result of the efforts of SEMA, MEMA Aftermarket, the Auto Care Association and the CAR Coalition, The Specialty Equipment Market Association said today. The REPAIR Act seeks to protect consumers’ rights to decide where and with what parts they can use to repair and maintain their vehicles. Representatives Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02), Warren Davidson (R-OH-08) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03) are the current co-sponsors of the bill, which in various guises goes back more than a decade.* Continue reading

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More EV Tires Added to Goodyear Replacement Line

ElectricDrive™ comes with a 60,000-mile tread life limited warranty**, V speed rating and is available in sizes 215/50R17 95V XL and 215/55R17 94V SL. This all-season tire is built for touring sedans and CUVs, such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt and Volt and the Kia Niro EV. Continue reading

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Up-sizing and Pricing: Chevy ZR2 Bison Now on Silverado

Deliveries will start in 2023 with a MSRP of $78,490 after destination. This is $8,295 more than the 2022 Silverado ZR2. Is it worth the money for modest changes in specifications and no increase in output? Well, performance trucks are a hot segment – we will see what the market will reveal. Continue reading

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Aftermarket Services Beat Dealers Again in Latest Survey

The study, now in its third year following its debut in 2019, measures customer satisfaction with aftermarket service facilities, providing a numerical index ranking of the highest-performing facilities in the U.S. aftermarket doing full-service maintenance and repair; quick oil changes; and tire replacement. Continue reading

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Computer Bugs – Ford Launches New Certified Glass Network

Ford has apparently discovered the latest bugs in computerized vehicles. They are not the ones that smear your windshield. Continue reading

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Quirky Startups – Everrati, Aria Group Porsche 911 EVs

Everrati’s product range is now available in every major market, it claims. “Surging demand for Everrati products globally is being led by sustainability-conscious millennials and Gen-Z buyers who demand an iconic car from decades such as the 80s and 90s, and demand EV power over ICE,” Everrati said. Everrati buyers are also traditional car collectors with “a passion for the latest in automotive technology… there is one common thread, all Everrati customers are car enthusiasts driven by a desire to enjoy beautiful icons sustainably and responsibly.” Continue reading

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EPA: Bans Asbestos – First Under Chemical Safety Act

The proposed rule would ban chrysotile asbestos, the only known form of asbestos that’s currently imported into the U.S., which is found in products such as asbestos diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, other vehicle friction products, and other gaskets also imported into the U.S. Most consumer products that historically contained chrysotile asbestos have been discontinued. Continue reading

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Goodyear Expands Eagle Exhilarate Performance Tire Line

Popular vehicles that Eagle Exhilarate tires will now fit include the Acura TLX, Audi A5 and RS5, BMW 3-Series and X5, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette, Dodge Challenger and Charger, Ford Mustang, Infiniti Q50, Mercedes E-Class, Porsche 911 and Volvo S60. Continue reading

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