Category Archives: aftermarket

Average Age of U.S. Vehicles Reaches Record High

Perhaps more significantly for automakers, 2011 ended the U.S. vehicle population decline that has occurred annually since 2008. This worrisome trend meant households were decreasing the number of vehicles. According to Polk, the total vehicles in operation – VIO – in July 2011 was just over 240.5 million, an increase of 500,000 units over July in the previous year, and nearly equal to 2009 VIO. The highest VIO on record was achieved in July 2008, when more than 242 million passenger cars and light trucks were on America’s roads. The financial markets collapsed that fall. Continue reading

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Midas Sued in Europe for Breach of Contract

The unwelcome development for Midas shareholders comes as the Midas board of directors is exploring the possible sale of the company during an ongoing strategic review. Share prices have ranged from a 52-week high of $9.50 to a 52-week low of $5.08. Currently Midas is trading at $8.46. Midas during the first nine months of 2011 had net earnings of $4.4 million ($0.32 per diluted share), an increase from $2.3 million or $0.17 per diluted share in 2010. Midas pays no dividend. Continue reading

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Right to Repair on Massachusetts Ballot. National Bill Stalled

A similar national measure, the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (H.R. 1449), died from inaction in the 2011 U.S. Congress. Various forms of Right to Repair bills have been tied up in successive Congresses since 2002. It is not surprising that the National Association of Automobile Dealers opposes the legislation. NADA says that automakers provide emissions service and some other data available to any technician who needs it already. Continue reading

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The Top Stolen Cadillac Escalade Has New Antitheft Devices

Cadillac Escalade is more than 6 times as likely as the average vehicle to be targeted by thieves and has overall theft losses more than 10 times as big, according the Highway Loss Data Institute – HLDI. So little wonder that Cadillac in a release today is touting what it claims are new security enhancements developed to thwart thieves on Escalade models. Continue reading

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New 1967 Mustang Convertible Body for $15,995

While purists will scoff, the chances of finding a rust-free, undamaged sixties era Mustang suitable for restoration are slight, given the popularity of the Mustang among car enthusiasts. Some panel adjustment and alignment has to be done, but the new-old Mustang body comes rust proofed and primed, ready for painting and assembly. Continue reading

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The Latest Safety Problem – Deferred Auto Maintenance?

The latest pernicious problem of the flagging U.S. economy comes in the guise of drivers who deferred auto maintenance at the potential cost of their safety. According to a new survey, 40% of respondents who are involved in repair decisions said they are postponing car maintenance or repairs on their primary vehicle. Continue reading

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New Vehicle Sales Satisfaction Improves from 2010

Satisfaction with the new-vehicle sales process has improved from 2010, according to a new study released today. All sales satisfaction measures improved “notably” from 2010, with the greatest increase in the delivery process, despite the fact that the average length of time to complete the delivery portion of a new-vehicle sale has increased by four minutes to an average of 32 minutes in 2011. Continue reading

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MaxiGuard Super Premium Motor Oil Consumer Alert Issued

PQIA says there are labeling issues, as e well. The label claims API service SA, SC. These are obsolete Service Categories the API cautions can cause harm to engines built after 1967. The label does not warn consumers of this limited use. Continue reading

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Build Your Own LS7, LS9 Chevrolet V8 Crate Engine

Chevrolet Performance is now offering customers the chance to build your own LS7 V8 or LS9 V8 crate engine – a unique program that combines a factory-engineered aftermarket engine with hands on experience for custom car builders and hot rodders. Continue reading

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Kia Adds Carfax Vehicle History Reports to Used Cars

Kia’s decision means that 32 manufacturer brands that have chosen Carfax for their Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. Continue reading

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Volkswagen Opens Engine Rebuilding Plant in China with FAW

While all major automakers are scrambling to establish and maintain new vehicle manufacturing and sales in China, the so-called aftermarket is not being pursued with the same vigor, repeating the same mistake U.S. automakers made as their home market expanded 100 years ago. Continue reading

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GM’s Woodward Test Resulted from Real Durability needs of the Street Racing that the Woodward Dream Cruise Honors

In the hay day of the Detroit Three, who were really the Big Three in the 1960s, General Motors used Woodward Avenue not only as a rolling marketing clinic about what kids were driving, but also as a model for a durability test still in use. Continue reading

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California Air Resources Board Approves GM Crate Engine

All E-ROD crate engines include required emissions equipment, such as catalytic converters and a fuel tank evaporative emission canister, along with an engine control module calibrated for a balance of performance and efficiency. GM said it is the only automaker with authorized, emissions-compliant high-performance aftermarket engines. Continue reading

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Bye Bye American Dream – One in Four Could Not Pay for a Major Auto Repair in Latest AAA Economic Survey

One in four American drivers could not pay for a car repair of $2000 if faced with one today, according to the results of a survey released today by AAA. The survey also said one in eight would be unable to pay for a repair bill of $1000 – easily reached with overly complex vehicles on the road. Continue reading

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July Used Car Sales Boom. Have Automakers Priced New Vehicles – Now with an Average $30,000 Price – Too High?

The latest research shows that sales of used cars and light trucks in the U.S. grew strongly – up more than 13% for the month of July. About 4.5 million previously owned vehicles changed hands. That’s the best July since 2005… Continue reading

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