Matt Jones Takes Operations Helm at Art Morrison Enterprises
(L–R): Matt Jones, his wife Jeanette, and Art Morrison.
Matt Jones, who joined Art Morrison Enterprises (AME) in 2005 was hand-selected by Art Morrison to purchase the controlling interest in AME. Over his nearly 20-year tenure, Jones has worked closely with company founder Art Morrison and the late Craig Morrison in numerous instrumental roles including lead engineer, operations manager and now president.
The prime motivator in the development of the AME Multi-Link I.R.S., Jones has been an automotive enthusiast all his life. His silver ’69 Camaro became the development “mule” for many of AME’s suspension components, which scored high marks in several “suspension shootouts” held by leading enthusiast publications.
Meyer Distributing Announces Calgary, AB Location
Meyer Distributing Inc. has announced the addition of its Calgary, Alberta, location. The cross-dock will have a direct, next-day feed from Meyer’s Hermiston, Oregon, distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories, exhaust, and RV parts in the region.
Ringbrothers Unveils “CAGED” Mustang Convertible Restomod
The Mustang convertible features a CAD-designed, hand-built body, Coyote V8 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission and more than 4,200 hours of custom touches by Ringbrothers.
Ringbrothers has unveiled its latest creation—a custom-built ’64.5 Ford Mustang convertible known as “CAGED.” The design objective was to subtly evolve and modernize the original Mustang’s lines and proportions while honoring the aesthetic of Ford’s original pony car. The result is a modern appeal and unbridled performance mating the design of a 20th-century icon with the technology of the 21st.
Born from an original ’64.5 Mustang convertible, nearly every component is a Ringbrothers-built one-off piece, with the only factory Mustang parts being the center caps for the wheels. The Ringbrothers team conducted extensive metalwork converting the Roadster Shop FAST TRACK chassis back into a unibody, as well as widening and lengthening the bodywork by one inch. The BASF Glasurit “Burgundy Brave” finish was then applied, and all the chrome and stainless-steel trim was treated with Cerakote Titanium C-105P.
The redesigned front grille is set back 2 in. and feeds air into a Ford Performance 5.0L Coyote V8 crate engine filled with Motul engine oil for protection and performance. The Coyote sings its tune thanks to custom-built headers by Ringbrothers and a Flowmaster exhaust system. Drive routes through Ford’s 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission. The Mustang grips the tarmac thanks to a set of Continental tires wrapped around one-off 18-in. EVOD Industries wheels mirroring the style of the Mustang’s iconic Rally wheels. Handling comes courtesy of Penske Racing Shocks RS Edition performance coilovers front and rear, an independent rear suspension and a set of Baer Brakes for stopping power.
Advanced Plating Hires Jason Latham as Special Projects and Aftermarket Automotive Manager
Advanced Plating has announced the addition of Jason Latham as special projects and aftermarket automotive manager, handling sales from hot-rod shops and customer service programs. Latham has been a part of the aftermarket and custom automotive industry for 20 years between Big Oak Garage and Wizards Polishes. He will begin with Advanced Plating on August 15.
Mullen Automotive Opens New Automotive Development Center
Mullen’s new Automotive Development Center opened to support growing Mullen automotive team.
Mullen Automotive Inc., an emerging electric-vehicle manufacturer, has announced the opening of a new automotive development center at 100 Technology Drive, Irvine, CA, 92618
Located in the heart of Irvine’s technology corridor and in close proximity to the Irvine Spectrum Center, the 16,000-sq.-ft. facility is now open in support of Mullen’s expanding automotive team. As the company continues to grow, various automotive teams are being strategically split between the Mullen Monrovia and Irvine locations. Currently, it is planned that Irvine Automotive Development Center will be home to the engineering design and development, styling, program management, marketing and finance teams, whereas battery, powertrain, thermal and infotainment teams will be located at the high-voltage facility in Monrovia, California.
Mullen recently announced the “Strikingly Different” U.S. Test Drive Tour for the Mullen FIVE EV crossover, covering 19 cities across the United States. The tour will begin this fall in Southern California and work its way throughout the country. Further details can be found here, or place your Mullen FIVE reservation here.
Dan Robinson Joins Five Star Race Car Bodies
Five Star Race Car Bodies—the manufacturer of race car bodies and components based in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin—has appointed Dan Robinson to the newly created role of MD3 key accounts manager. MD3 is the provider of dirt late model, dirt modified and street stock body panels.
Robinson has several years of experience in the racing industry beginning in 2009 as the series director, promoter and general manager of Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri. In 2018, he became the director of racing operations with Lucas Oil Products before being promoted to vice president of motorsports operations.
At the beginning of the year, Robinson was appointed COO at marketing and multimedia company XR, where he helped organize events and streaming broadcasts for races including the Bristol Dirt Nationals.
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.