Category Archives: aftermarket

U.S. Leads Powertrain Aftermarket but Trails in Trends

Posted on 23 March 2017 by Ken Zino

Mexico’s hot climate contributes to vehicle overheating and powertrain component damage along with poor road conditions in many areas, increasing powertrain wear and tear. How this differs from U.S. conditions was not clear. As was the silence on where the U.S. sold parts were built. Continue reading →

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Nissan Commercial Vehicle Lineup at 2017 Work Truck Show

Posted on 9 March 2017 by Ken Zino

Nissan and Toyota are no longer niche players in the truck market, one of the last remaining segments that the Detroit Three used to dominate. Innovative Honda, surprisingly or maybe not given its small engine expertise, has only the unit-body Ridgeline pickup in its lineup. Continue reading →

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Australia-Based CarRecord to Use NADA Values

Posted on 20 February 2017 by Ken Zino

“Our exclusive integration of vehicle values from J.D. Power Valuation Services makes the process of compiling the total history and pricing of a vehicle much easier, saving customers time and money.” Continue reading →

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Affordable Used Vehicles Becoming Scarce

Posted on 15 February 2017 by Ken Zino

For consumers considering trading in older used vehicles, 2017 could be the time. The latest study predicts a record number of off-lease vehicles will fill dealer lots and that a declining number of older trade-ins will put significant upward pressure on the late model used market this year. Continue reading →

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Toyota Opens Parts Depot in Atlanta

Posted on 26 August 2016 by Ken Zino

Stocking approximately 43,000 Lexus parts, the facility will serve 27 Lexus dealers in the Southeast, primarily in Atlanta, as well as a five-state area that includes Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. Continue reading →

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Michelin Sues Atturo Tire Over a Directional Tread Patent

Posted on 13 May 2016 by Ken Zino

The suit alleges that two tire models – the Atturo AZ600 and the Thunderer Ranger 007- infringe the company’s U.S. patent D483,322 for a directional tread. Continue reading →

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Subaru Brings Back Shop Training High Schools Dropped

Posted on 30 April 2016 by Ken Zino

The goal is to train secondary and post-secondary students for possible future employment at 620 Subaru retailers nationwide. Continue reading →

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SEMA Debut for 2016 Cobra Jet Mustang

Posted on 3 November 2015 by Ken Zino

Ford Performance reveals the 2016 Cobra Jet Mustang today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas, marking the newest iteration of the limited-edition racecar. Continue reading →

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Crash Course on Collision Parts in front of Congress

Posted on 5 March 2015 by Ken Zino

The parallel Parts Act bills in the House and Senate will face fierce opposition from automakers – as they have before – where automaker lobbying has, arguably, infringed on consumer rights while nullifying the bills. Continue reading →

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Certified Used Vehicle Sales Set Record in 2014

Posted on 18 February 2015 by Ken Zino

Sales of certified pre-owned vehicles reached an all-time high during 2014 at 2.3 million, according to the latest study. This means that certified vehicles accounted for almost 21% of the used market. Continue reading →

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MX-5 Miata Accessories Concept Debuts at CAS

Posted on 12 February 2015 by Ken Zino

Vehicle personalization continues to be the trend as affirmed by the debut of an MX-5 accessories design concept of the next-generation 2016 MX-5 roadster that will be in showrooms this summer. Continue reading →

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Mazda Joins the Aftermarket Customization Parade

Posted on 11 February 2015 by Ken Zino

Mazda is the latest entrant into the customization parade with its announcement at the Chicago Auto Show, of a 2016 MX-5 accessories design concept, previewing what is coming for those looking to personalize their cars. Continue reading →

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2015 Chevrolet Colorado GearOn Debuts at Chicago

Posted on 10 February 2015 by Ken Zino

The GearOn accessory package, it’s claimed, is designed for configuration with a multitude of mounting accessories for bikes, kayaks, skis and stand-up paddle boards and a bed-mounted tent. Continue reading →

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Used Car Sales Soften in October

Posted on 3 November 2014 by Ken Zino

Used-car sales in October were 3,162,085, up only 0.29% compared to a year ago. Versus September used vehicle sales were down 16.9%. However, Transaction Prices rose more than 16% at franchised dealerships to $15,678 because of what is now a growing inventory of late-model off-lease vehicles. Continue reading →

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Stronger New Vehicle Sales to Weaken Used Prices?

Posted on 4 August 2014 by Ken Zino

The continued recovery of new US vehicle sales might result in some price cuts in used rides for the first time since 2008 when the Bush Administration’s Great Recession took hold. The economy is still hurting and the US labor force participation rate and long term unemployment are disgraceful, no matter what the ‘no jobs’ Obama Administration claims. Continue reading →

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