- Fred Van Senus, president and owner of Vehicle Specialties Inc., announced that John Simmons will take over as company president, effective September 1. Simmons has been vice president and general manager of Vehicle Specialties Inc. for 16 years. Van Senus will remain as the company’s CEO, staying active with strategic planning and financial responsibilities.
- Congratulations to Automotive Performance Systems/Neuspeed on celebrating their 33rd year in business. CEO Bill Neumann, his wife Florence and sons Gary, Aaron and Jeff started the company in the family garage in Glendale, Calif., in 1974. Specializing in suspension, performance, and appearance parts for Acura, Audi, Honda and Volkswagen, APS/Neuspeed sells throughout North America as well as 25 other countries including Japan, Australia and the U.K.
"Our company started with a simple philosophy: make parts with a jewel-like finish that fits and performs like no other, make the parts so easy to install that any ‘shade tree’ mechanic with good tools could perform the installation, and deliver the best possible service with honesty and integrity,” Bill Neumann says. "Although our family has grown with every new hire, our family's passion and philosophy has never wavered and its tradition continues on today." - Mitchell 1 named Brandon Belken—recent graduate of Tatum High School in Tatum, Texas—as the recipient of its Automotive Technology Outstanding Student Scholarship. Mitchell presents the scholarship award to a U.S. high school senior for outstanding achievement in automotive technology scholastics. Belken was presented with a check for $2,500 courtesy of Mitchell 1 during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers Conference on July 19.
- Beck/Arnley announced that it recently honored its employees who have worked with the company for 20 years or more during and employee luncheon. The company presented employees with 20-plus years of service with gifts; 16 of those were recognized for 30-plus years of service. In addition, Joe Bagwell, vice president of sales, was honored for his 38 years of employment at Beck/Arnley, the longest tenure of any current employee.
Joe Bagwell
- Superior Glass Works, manufacturers of street-rod fiberglass and chassis, announced that the company has a new e-commerce website, new catalog and new company logo. The changes were part of a company transition after the organization was acquired by Brad and Donna Peterson of Portland, Oregon. Superior Glass Works has been in business for more than 30 years.
Staff members of Superior Glass Works.
- The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association named “Reactor,” a ’67 Fastback Mustang built by the RingBros from Wisconsin, as its Goodguys/Air Ride Technologies 2007 Street Machine of the Year. The Goodguys also named Dennis DeCamp’s Indycar-influenced ’32 roadster—known as “F-32”— as its Goodguys/Classic Instruments 2007 Street Rod of the Year. Complete information about both vehicles is available at www.good-guys.com.
“Reactor”—Goodguys/Air Ride Technologies 2007 Street Machine of the Year.
“Reactor”—Goodguys/Air Ride Technologies 2007 Street Machine of the Year.
“F-32”—Goodguys/Classic Instruments 2007 Street Rod of the Year.