-
Recent Posts
- Sudden Power Loss – Ford Motor Recall Parade Persists
- GM Expands Owners’ Manual Recalls
- Andretti Global Rules Inaugural Java House Grand Prix
- American Axle – UAW Demands Released Before Contract End
- J.D. Power – Dealer Service Satisfaction High, But…
- Legal Tariffs – Detroit Diesel to Add Third Shift, Recall Laid Off Workers
- Porsche AG Reorganization 2.0 or The New Strategy 2035
- Hit-And-Run Crashes at Record High
- Honda Heritage Parts Program Debuts
- IndyCar – Freedom 250 to Run Past U.S. Capital
- Instrument Panel Display Failures – Honda, Acura Recalls
- Ford Recalls 850,000 Bronco, Edge SUV Rear View Cameras
- Ford Recalls Escape, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Corsair SUVs
- Silverado and GMC HD Pickups Recalled for Sudden Stalling
- IndyCar Phoenix – Newgarden Wins Good Ranchers 250
Recent Comments
- Autocrat on Stellantis Subordinated Perpetual Hybrid Bonds on Stellantis Posts Full Year 2025 Loss of €22.3B
- Michigan Governor Whitmer on Pew – Confidence in Trump Dips, Fewer Support His Policies
- Porsche Motorsport Daytona Victory on Daytona 24 Hours – Old and New Stars Getting Ready to Run
- UAW Ford Department Director VP Laura Dickerson on Trump's Ford Plant Visit on Whitmer Stands in Stark Contrast to Trump at Detroit Auto Show
- Ken Zino on Ford Fuel Injector Leak Recall Now at ~694,000
Archives
Meta
Category Archives: aftermarket
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
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 airbag fatalities or serious injuries, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Homeland Security Investigations office, Ken Zino, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, NHTSA Consumer Alert on Replacement airbags
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
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 aftermarket steering wheel decals, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nhtsa, NHTSA Consumer Alert
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 auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, David J. Glawe, Ken Zino, National Insurance Crime Bureau, nicb, popular stolen vehicles, social media on how to steal vehicles, stolen vehicle trends
Leave a comment
Clean Air Act – Prison for Man Disabling Emissions Controls
A man was sentenced today for ongoing violations of the Clean Air Act through an aftermarket scheme to disable the emissions control systems of diesel trucks. Davis Owens, 34, of Cleves, Ohio was sentenced to serve 30 days in prison, seven months of home confinement and one year of supervised release. Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, environment, fools 'n frauds, litigation, people, public health
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, clean air act, Davis Owens, emissions controls of diesel trucks, Holderdown Performance, Ken Zino, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, U.S. Justice Department Environment and Natural Resources Division
Leave a comment
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
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, connected vehicles, electronics, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news, news analysis, software defined vehicles, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW i Ventures, Kasper Sage, Ken Zino, Parth Trivedi, Skylo Technologies
Leave a comment
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
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
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
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
Posted in aftermarket, concept, design and styling, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ford Mustang FP800S, Ford North America Vehicle Personalization, Ford Performance Street Packages, Ken Zino, Mark Wilson, sema, vinyl wraps
Leave a comment
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
Posted in aftermarket, litigation
Tagged Aniello Strocchia, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg, DOJ tax division, Ken Zino, US Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York
Leave a comment
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
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 →