Category Archives: aftermarket

California Cars and Global Warming: CRC, Kraft-Heinz and Mothers Pay $1.4 Million For Violating Air Quality Rules

“Many common household products, such as cleaners and metal polishes, contain compounds that contribute to unhealthy smog. It’s important that retailers only stock and sell products that adhere to CARB regulations limiting the amount of these compounds,” CARB Enforcement Division Chief Todd Sax said. Continue reading

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Icahn Buys RPM Automotive

The undisclosed deal expands its presence in the Southeastern U.S., by 10 locations and more than 100 service bays. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., RPM Automotive claims a reputation for “its exceptional customer service and quality work on all makes and models, including luxury vehicles and large fleets.” Continue reading

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NADA Workforce Initiative Fights Technician Shortage

The NADA Foundation just revealed the next phase of its Workforce Initiative, which includes the launch of a new consumer-facing website – www.nadafoundation.org – to promote the value of service technician jobs and provide the first and only centralized source of all Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and industry training programs and scholarship opportunities for aspiring technicians. Continue reading

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First Look – New or Revised 2020 Jeep Gladiator

Off-road prowess comes from Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4×4 systems, third-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axles, Trac-Lok limited-slip differential, a segment-exclusive sway-bar disconnect and, gulp, 33-inch off-road tires. Continue reading

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Chevy Performance Releases Colorado ZR2 Race Parts

“These parts can be purchased individually to suit each customer’s needs, or as a complete package,” said Dickens. “This gives customers the flexibility to build their truck up over time, purchase only the parts they need for their particular interest, or buy the complete set to build their own ‘Hall Racing’ ZR2.” Continue reading

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GM Collision Repair Network Growing

“Collision repair professionals are telling us they see how the Network can help make their business more efficient, speed up the repair process and give confidence that vehicles are repaired accurately and safely,” said John Eck, collision manager, GM Customer Care and Aftersales. Continue reading

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Mopar at SEMA – 1000 Horsepower 426 Crate Hemi, Supercharger Concept

The press briefing in the Mopar exhibit at SEMA also included the unveiling of the 1968 Dodge “Super Charger” Concept, the perfect package for highlighting the “Hellephant” 426 Supercharged Crate HEMI engine assembly and kit. Continue reading

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Walmart and Advance Auto Parts to Launch Specialty Store

The new specialty store will complement Walmart’s automotive offering of common parts and accessories online and in stores, including an extensive assortment of tire, lube and battery services in more than 2,500 Walmart Auto Care Centers across the country. Launching in phases over the coming year, the specialty store will also feature a variety of Advance’s “value-added content and product information.” Continue reading

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2019 COPO Camaro Marks 50 Years of Performance

With a special Anniversary Blue Metallic exterior color that pays homage to the original Laguna Blue offered in 1969, the SEMA show car’s available engine lineup includes a revised version of the supercharged, LSX-based 350 engine, now with a 2.65-liter Magnuson supercharger as well as a 302-cubic-inch engine. Continue reading

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Roll by Goodyear Another Way to Buy and Install Tires

Roll by Goodyear was designed – it appears – as a defensive move to counter the onslaught of internet shopping and informed, mobile consumers. Goodyear said it conducted pre-market testing for Roll and the results were favorable across all demographics, particularly with millennials. Continue reading

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Chevrolet Performance to Show Newest Crate Engines at SEMA

The new crate engines add to a line of nearly 50 Small Block, Big Block, LS, LSX, LT, Circle Track and COPO crate engines, giving enthusiasts myriad choices for powering their projects. Continue reading

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Slow News – Chevrolet SEMA Show Car Has New Exterior Color

Along with Shock, 2019 Camaro colors also includes new Crush, Riverside Blue Metallic, Shadow Grey Metallic and Satin Steel Grey Metallic. Continue reading

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Death of the Diesel: CARB Fines LKQ $294,000 for Selling Illegal Used Diesel Soot filters

In a related case in 2017, West Coast Diesel, a Fresno repair shop caught selling and installing illegal parts, agreed to a settlement that included additional monetary penalties should they violate the terms of the agreement by installing even one diesel particulate filter. Several other Central Valley diesel repair shops are now under investigation for selling and installing illegal filters. Continue reading

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Rain Shortens Fourth Annual Roadkill Nights – Street-legal Drag Racing on Woodward Avenue

A total of 128 street-legal cars were on a specially prepped 1/8-mile drag strip on Woodward Avenue between Rapid Street and South Boulevard to compete in high-powered drag racing for cash prizes. Heavy rains ended the races early, so 16 total finalists split $20,000 in cash prizes. Continue reading

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Porsche Classic Supplies Parts from a 3D Printer

Let’s hope that this catches on – not only for collectors of rare classic cars – but for older vehicle or airplane owners of whatever ilk. It is not fake news that the absence of replacement items (or, ahem, ethics) leads to problems. Worst auto case, the car may be scrapped. Continue reading

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