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Category Archives: aftermarket
Light Truck Tread Separation Recall from Michelin Tire
Michelin North America is recalling ~7000 Agilis Cross Climate C-Metric tires, size 185/60R15C. This is a an aftermarket replacement all weather tire. If placed into service, the affected tires may not provide the expected performance and could potentially increase the risk of a crash.
“Chunks of tread rubber may detach from the shoulder blocks. As such, these tires fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 139, New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles,” Michelin told the National Highway Traffic Safet Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing. NHTSA made the Michelin tire recall public this morning. Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, customer satisfaction, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Michelin Agilis Cross Climate C-Metric tires, Michelin North America tire recalls, NHTSA Tire Recall Campaign Number 25T008, X @KenAutoinformed
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Goodyear Completes Sale of Dunlop Brand
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company* (NASDAQ: GT) said today that it has completed the previously announced sale of the Company’s rights to the Dunlop brand in Europe, North America and Oceania for consumer, commercial and other specialty tires, together with certain associated intellectual property and inventory, to Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd (TYO: 5110). Gross cash proceeds at closing totaled $735 million, comprised of $526 million for the Dunlop brand, $105 million for a transition support fee and $104 million for inventory. Goodyear said it intends to use the transaction proceeds to reduce leverage in connection with the so-called Goodyear Forward transformation plan. Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, economy, manufacturing, milestones, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Dunlop brand, Goldman Sachs & Company, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Q1 2025 financial results, Ken Zino, Mark Stewart, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, X @KenAutoinformed
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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 auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Iain Forsyth, Ken Zino, Mercedes-Benz USA Vehicle Processing Center Ladson SC, Ranger Design, Sprinter and eSprinter Cargo Vans, X @KenAutoinformed
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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 2026 Silverado EV Trail Boss, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chad Hall, Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, Hall Racing, Ken Zino, Mint 400, off road EV trucks, Scott Bell, X @KenAutoinformed
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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 auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Esteban Plaza-Jennings, Ford Pro Upfitter, Kathryn Schifferle, Ken Zino, Qualified Vehicle Modifier, Work Truck Solutions, X @KenAutoinformed
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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 American Honda Motor Company, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council or A2C2, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Counterfeit Airbags, Craig Orlan, Ken Zino, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, X @KenAutoinformed
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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 auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Christina Zamarro, Dunlop tire brand, Dunlop trademarks, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Ken Zino, Mark Stewart, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, X @KenAutoinformed
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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 auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Goodyear Blimp, Goodyear Blimp 100th Anniversary, Goodyear Blimp Pilgrim, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Ken Zino, Mark Stewart, X @KenAutoinformed
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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 Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Clean Air Act tampering, DOJ Environment and Natural Resources Division, Ken Zino, Kory B. Willis, Power Performance Enterprises, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert, U.S. District Court Judge John A. Mendez, X @KenAutoinformed
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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 auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Drew Mitchell Schreiber, Ken Zino, NHTSA Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation, odometer tampering, Southeastern Credit Union Solutions, U.S. Justice Department Consumer Protection Branch, X @KenAutoinformed
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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 auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brandon Lord, Chinese counterfeits of auto parts, Counterfeit Airbags, Homeland Security Investigations, Intellectual Property Rights, IPR Center, Ivan Arvelo, Ken Zino, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Robert Stewart, Sophie Shulman, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, X @KenAutoinformed
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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 auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, ChainFEST, currywurst sausage, Gewürz Ketchup Brand, Ken Zino, Rachael Zaluzec, volkswagen of america, VW 75th anniversary, X @KenAutoinformed
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SMMT Lauds Launch of UK Industrial Strategy
The UK automotive industry today has vowed to build on the foundations laid by government’s Industrial Strategy published yesterday with a 10-point plan to drive the UK back into the top 15 of global vehicle manufacturing locations by 2030 and deliver a £50 billion economic boost over the next decade. {See footnote 1] This is from the home of the Brexit disaster of British political thinking.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) speaking at the industry’s annual Summit in London today said “Government’s long-term Industrial Strategy, including the Drive35 £2.5 billion auto capital and R&D fund, recognizes automotive as a pillar of advanced manufacturing, integral to the world leading innovation that creates the high value jobs, wealth and economic growth that are vital to our country’s future. Now we must make the most of that position and put in place the right conditions for growth.” Continue reading →