Auto Customizers Spend Billions, Boost Aftermarket Parts Suppliers
Some adults decorate their houses to suit their personalities. Others “pimp out” their cars. Customizing cars is a hobby that’s been around for years, but these days — with television shows such as “Pimp My Ride” and “Monster Garage,” and movies like “The Fast and The Furious,” the trend is just starting to get noticed.
Edelbrock Exhibit to Be Shown at Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
For nearly 67 years the name Edelbrock has been synonymous with performance and racing. The story of this remarkable family and company, which helped shape the hot rod car culture and launch an industry, began in 1938 with Vic Edelbrock Sr. working in a small garage in Los Angeles. It continues today with Vic Edelbrock Jr. at the helm of the $115 million-plus Edelbrock Corporation. Now this story of ingenuity and automotive performance will be told through a special exhibit at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California.
Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum Appoints Manager of Marketing and Advertising
Rose Dickinson has been named manager of marketing and advertising at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. In this new role, Dickinson will be responsible for the museum’s advertising, including print and radio for the California Hot Rod Reunion, National Hot Rod Reunion and museum special events. Dickinson’s NHRA career began in 1988 after she left Pennzoil to help start-up National Dragster in-house publications.
Douglas Battery Expands Distribution
In response to increased demand on the West Coast, Douglas Battery has expanded its California distribution center.
Caliber Collision Centers Names Director of Client Services, Texas Operations
Caliber Collision Centers, an Irvine, Calif.-based collision repair business, has named Tresa Parker as its director of client services for the company’s Texas Operations. Caliber Collision Centers operates facilities in Texas and California. This newly created position is designed to help strengthen new and existing relationships with insurance clients and customers in the Texas market, according to the company.
Five States Home to One-Third of Independent Repair Shops, Auto Parts Stores, Says AAIA
The five largest U.S. states comprise one-third of all U.S. independent repair shops and automotive retail establishments, according to new data reported in the “2004/2005 Aftermarket Factbook,” which is published by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). California, Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois also dominate the U.S. motorist population, with more than one-third of all licensed drivers.
SEMA Board of Directors’ Election Results Announced
The results of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) board of directors election are final. SEMA, has elected three newcomers and re-elected seven incumbents into office on its board of directors.
Auto Data Network Acquires CarParts Technologies
Data Network Inc., a provider of software and real-time data services to the automotive industry, has acquired California-based CarParts Technologies, Inc. The deal was completed 17 months ahead of schedule. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Goodyear Receives Military Aircraft Tire Development Grant
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will receive $2.25 million under the defense appropriations bill, passed last week by the U.S. Congress. The grant will fund research and development on the next generation of aircraft tires to be used on the nation’s new Navy and Air Force joint strike fighter jets.
Report Shows 80 Percent of Scrap Tires Put to Good Use
Expanding markets now consume four out of five scrap tires, according to a report by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). In addition, stockpiled scrap tires have been reduced by nearly 75 percent since 1990.