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Category Archives: aftermarket
SEMA Lawsuit – NHTSA Issues Draft Replica Car Rule
The FAST Act set a deadline of December 4, 2016, for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue any necessary regulations to implement the law. The agency sat on the legally required need for regulations in defiance of Congress. Sound familiar? Continue reading
Lithium Mustang Project at SEMA
The fact remains that electrification can be a boon to performance enthusiasts as witnessed by a so-called Phi-Power dual-core electric motor and dual power inverters – fueled by an 800-volt Webasto battery system that can discharge a mega-watt of electrical energy. At 800 volts, that’s twice the voltage of most electric cars on the road today. Continue reading
SEMA Sues U.S. DOT for Stopping Replica Car Law
Another Agency run by President Trump’s political appointees is allegedly defying a 2015 law – the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) – passed by Congress to let low-volume automakers sell up to 325 replica cars each year that resemble production vehicles manufactured at least 25 years ago. Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, manufacturing, performance
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Kenneth Zino, kit cars, nhtsa, replicars
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First Ford Performance Off-Road Leveling Kits
Most Ranger and F-150 trucks are purchased with four-wheel drive, and it’s said the leveling kits will enable off-road drivers to risk more challenging terrain. Beyond adding additional ground clearance, off-road performance is improved with Ford truck-optimized FOX shocks. Continue reading
GM Opens $65 Million Parts Processing Center Near Flint
GM now employs only 9,500 people in Genesee County, including the Grand Blanc headquarters of the company’s Customer Care and Aftersales business and the Flint manufacturing complex. All of the positions in Burton support GM’s CCA* business that is responsible for supporting the service and repair needs of millions of GM vehicle owners. Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, labor issues, people
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Flint, Gm Burton, Ken Zino
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Mopar Debuts Six Concepts for Moab Easter Jeep Safari
“Customization is one of the highest priorities for Jeep brand enthusiasts. This is why we have proactively developed a portfolio of more than 200 exclusive parts and accessories for the all-new Jeep Gladiator,” said Steve Beahm. Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, design and styling, marketing, performance
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, jeep, Ken Zino, Moab, mopar
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BMW Baggage
BMW is continuing its merchandising with Montblanc via a five-piece luggage set that’s made-to-measure for the trunk (AKA boot) of the BMW 8 Series Coupé. Manufacturer’s recommended retail price is €14,900. Continue reading
Battery Handlers or Sorters Untrained, at Risk from Lithium
Battery Council International says the lead battery recycling process was uniquely designed for lead batteries. Lead batteries have almost a 100% recycling rate. However, when lithium batteries enter the lead battery recycling stream, they pose a serious threat to lead battery recyclers’ employees and equipment. This is because lithium batteries can explode if they are crushed during the lead battery recycling process. Continue reading
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
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
Posted in aftermarket, labor issues, people
Tagged 2019 NADA Chairman Charlie Gilchrist, auto industry commentary, Auto Service Excellence, auto technicians, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, connected vehicles, Ken Zino, NADA Foundation, new vehicle reviews, service technician jobs, The National Automobile Dealers Association
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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
Posted in aftermarket, design and styling, new vehicle
Tagged 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show AutoMobility LA, A Mopar-modified 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, auto industry commentary, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Cherokee, Compass, connected vehicles, grand cherokee, Ken Zino, new vehicle reviews, Renegade, wrangler
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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

Punch It Performance and Tuning to Stop Selling Illegal Devices to Defeat Emissions Controls
“EPA will vigorously pursue and prosecute companies who attempt to circumvent emission controls that are required to reduce air pollution,” said EPA. Continue reading →