Category Archives: aftermarket

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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BMW Motorcycle Debuts Worlds First Cornering ABS

Posted on 18 July 2014 by Ken Zino

Claimed benefits of ABS Pro to the rider are a sensitive response and a high level of brake and ride stability together with the best possible deceleration on turns. Continue reading →

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Chevy Cobalt Used Car Prices Untouched by Switch Recall

Posted on 26 June 2014 by Ken Zino

On a sales weighted basis, prices of 2005 – 2010 Chevy Cobalt models fell by 9.4% from March to June. By comparison, overall compact car segment prices declined by 10.6%. Prices for Chevy’s recalled HHR fell by a smaller 6.9% over the period. Continue reading →

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Used Car Prices off Slightly

Posted on 11 February 2014 by Ken Zino

What is claimed to be a glut of vehicles coming to used car lots will drive down prices as much as two percent this year and increase the selection of shoppers. However, new car buyers will take a hit as trade-in values decline with higher monthly payments needed to make up the difference. Continue reading →

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Buyer Beware – Millions of Used Cars have Open Recalls

Posted on 11 February 2014 by Ken Zino

Carfax today released new data claiming online shoppers may have unknowingly purchased more than 3.5 million used cars with unfixed recalls in 2013. Continue reading →

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Ford Approves Collision Repair Tools for Aluminum F-150

Posted on 21 January 2014 by Ken Zino

Restoring an aluminum collision-damaged vehicle to pre-accident shape requires new repair methods and equipment. Thus far unknown are the insurance rates for 2015 model F-150 owners since aluminum requires more costly repair methods. Continue reading →

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