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Automotive industry news
Pioneers
01/10/2008
There was a time when the major U.S. car manufacturers actually had factory racing programs. The two major leagues they heavily supported were NASCAR and NHRA. At NASCAR, fastback cars with big horsepower were turning laps so fast it would have been appropriate to have a "Road Runner" Series sponsored by Acme Auto Parts. ...
Plug & Play
01/10/2008
We're several years away from affordable plug-in hybrids. For those who can't wait, they have a choice of expensive hybrid conversion kits.
Remaking the Reman Market
01/10/2008
"We're No. 2!" is not a rallying cry for most, but America tends to love the underdog. Think Chicago Cubs. Some companies flaunt their David-like status, such as Avis' angle of "we're No. 2 so we try harder" versus rental car Goliath Hertz. Hey, even pork, "the other white meat," proudly serves up its ...
South African market showing strength, growth
01/10/2008
There's automotive action in South Africa as both imports and exports are on the rise. Despite near-term slumping new-car sales due to all-too-familiar reasons such as a devalued currency, high interest rates and expensive gasoline, OEMs and vendors are infusing investment dollars into the region. A ramping-up of car, truck and sport utility vehicle ...
Suspended Animation
01/10/2008
Economic uncertainty has forced some enthusiasts to become more frugal when it comes time to modify their suspension. Today, people want a cost-effective way to enhance performance, aesthetics and fuel efficiency; therefore, huge radical lifts are starting to lose market share to milder leveling kits. Sure, adding more power is always a top priority, ...
The Mystery Truck
01/10/2008
Dear Roy,
Transfer Flow Celebrates Silver Anniversary
01/10/2008
If he hadn't changed course by introducing an aftermarket line of fuel tank systems to his repertoire, Bill Gaines and his team wouldn't be around to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the company he founded back in 1983. It's what has kept Transfer Flow, Inc. afloat even during the toughest of economic times; well, ...
Brick and Mortar Basics
04/09/2008
If your business was around in the 1990s, you'd likely remember the hype surrounding the "rise of the Internet" and the accompanying e-commerce explosion. Plenty of "expert" analysts were predicting that "virtual malls" would spell gloom and doom for Main Street American commerce.
Hot Rodding Heats Up
04/09/2008
The steady and continued growth of the hot rod market over the past five years is great news. Whether you are a retailer, installer, manufacturer, or just an enthusiast of hot rods, the market's still alive and well.
Making Money with Full-Size Chevrolets
04/09/2008
When it comes to the manufacturing of automobiles, household appliances, telecommunications and home electronics, downsizing is the credo of these intensely consumer-driven industries. When it comes to more leisurely pursuits, however, Americans tend to prefer the "bigger is better" approach.
Pioneers
04/09/2008
"Keith was the best, most honest guy you could ever do business with," said Don "The Snake" Prudhomme. "He was really fair with everyone. He was one of the first guys to race the 426 Hemi engine and (his work on them) changed drag racing forever."
Pushing for Performance
04/09/2008
Performance is like dessert; you can't just have a little bit. When you're talking about performance in anything four-wheel related—a.k.a., the vehicle's capacity to gain speed rapidly and move efficiently and safely at high speed—then consider that performance has to do with any product that can enhance a vehicle's capabilities beyond the normal baseline ...
Rhino Nation
04/09/2008
History is full of stories about products originally introduced for a limited audience that unexpectedly caught fire with larger markets. A prime example is when Apple I was built in the 1970s. It was intended as a gaming platform for computer nerds. Only later did the inventors—Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak—realize the impact their ...
The China Factor
04/09/2008
There's a tired cliché—often heard at business and motivational seminars—that the Chinese word for "crisis" derives from the language's symbols for "danger" and "opportunity." While linguists dismiss this as technically incorrect, rightly or wrongly, the cliché also sums up a question many in our industry are currently asking: Does China's emergence on the world ...
Golf GTi teams up with Pirelli
01/01/0001
Having won Drive.com’s award for the Best Performance Car under $60k , the Volkswagen Golf GTi is all set for a performance boost . Tyre manufacturers Pirelli teamed up with Volkswagen to equip the new VW Golf GTi with 18×7.5” Pirelli alloy wheels shod with Pirelli ‘P Zero’ tyres. The standard Golf GTi (2.0 ...
More consumers are shopping via mobile phone
01/01/0001
Consumers are increasingly using their mobile phones to do more of their shopping, moving beyond ringtone downloads to buy physical goods using mobile payment services, according to a new survey from the Mobile Marketing Association. “It’s taken a couple of years, but they’ve figured out the mobile phone is really a tool kit, and ...
Online ad market is projected to exceed previous forecasts
01/01/0001
IDC has adjusted its 2010 U.S. ad outlook from a March estimate of 12.6% revenue growth to a more optimistic expectation of 19% growth. This forecast followed last week’s IAB report citing an online ad spending increase of 7.5% for the first quarter of 2010. PaidContent.org read more
Punctures and “Run-Flats”
01/01/0001
I hope that it’s been raining where you are. We needed it. However, one side effect that can get us involved, is the greater risk of a puncture. Why? Because wet rubber cuts easier, and is pierced easier, than dry rubber. When the tread rubber is almost gone, then the incidence of punctures increases ...
Rib Punching
01/01/0001
It only hurts when I laugh! Except that it is not physical punishment that I’m writing about. So it hurts alright- in the hip pocket, because rib punching robs a tyre of useful mileage, because one or more tread ribs has disappeared well before the others, making it un-roadworthy. It might be a bit ...
Tyres for Formula 1
01/01/0001
Team managers must have just about reached the hair tearing stage, trying to get the best combination of wet, dry, or intermediate tyres for the current season. After four races, the season has been interrupted by the volcano in Iceland “blowing its top”, so it’s time for some think music. Nethertheless, Jensen Button has ...
