Turn 14 Distribution Announces Eventuri as 2022 New Supplier Award Winner, CSF Inc. as 2022 Collaborative Supplier Award Winner
Turn 14 Distribution has awarded Eventuri with its New Supplier Award for 2022.
Turn 14 Distribution has awarded Eventuri with its New Supplier Award for 2022. Turn 14 Distribution’s New Supplier Award is a significant accolade for 2022 presented to a supplier with whom the company began doing business over the last 12 months. Eventuri received the New Supplier Award for its commitments to product innovation and quality, the fulfillment of orders to meet overwhelming demand and accommodating the unique distribution program required by Turn 14 Distribution. Sales volume, collaboration, promotion, training, support and relationship strength were all considered when selecting Eventuri as the award recipient.
“Eventuri had a memorable kick-off at Turn 14 Distribution by being the first brand to display in the company's newly renovated headquarters. Eventuri showcased a BMW M4 equipped with a beautifully crafted carbon-fiber intake solution. The brand immediately grabbed attention with its products’ cutting-edge design and performance, which set the stage for a great launch. Turn 14 Distribution continued to work closely with Eventuri throughout the year to ensure that the success continued. More exciting things are planned with Eventuri, and both brands are grateful and excited for the partnership's continued success.” said Mike Malloy, director of purchasing, Turn 14 Distribution.
In addition, Turn 14 Distribution has awarded CSF Inc. with its Collaborative Supplier Award for 2022. The Collaborative Supplier Award is presented to Turn 14 Distribution’s most collaborative supplier over the last 12 months and is influenced by growth, depth of collaboration, support and relationship strength. CSF Inc. achieved the 2022 Collaborative Supplier Award for its mutual support to capitalize on market opportunities, dedication to invest in new resources for product development and rapidly addressing changes to improve championing the brand to Turn 14 Distribution customers.
CSF Inc. won Turn 14’s Collaborative Supplier Award for 2022.
“CSF Inc. has an extremely knowledgeable and supportive staff ready to answer our questions and provide helpful service to all our teams. The company’s participation in our sales and marketing programs shows its dedication to helping the brand grow and being a valuable partner to Turn 14 Distribution. CSF Inc.’s consistent new product development combined with ideal collaboration led to record-breaking sales growth in 2022. We truly appreciate our relationship with CSF Inc. and look forward to future collaborations,” Malloy said.
Pep Boys Announces Scott Collette as New CEO
Pep Boys has announced the appointment of Scott Collette as CEO, who has assumed day-to-day leadership of the company. Collette, a C-suite retail veteran, joins Pep Boys from Menards where he worked since 1986, the last 13 years as the COO. As COO at Menards, Collette served as a leading force in building profit, expanding the business footprint, and driving continued sales growth throughout his tenure. Collette will prioritize retention and recruitment efforts while bringing a keen focus on talent development and workplace culture to Pep Boys. Under Collette’s leadership, the company is looking to expand and grow its footprint with a focus on strategic, high-growth markets.
ASA Inks Broadcast Deals With MAVTV, Racing America and SPEEDSPORT.tv
Officials from Track Enterprises have announced a multi-tiered broadcast and streaming package for all ASA-sanctioned events. The 10-race ASA STARS National Tour will be broadcast on a tape-delayed basis on MAVTV, beginning with the series-opening event, the Sunshine State 200, from Five Flags Speedway on March 11.
In addition, all 10 ASA STARS National Tour races, plus all ASA/CRA Super Series, ASA Midwest Tour races and all ASA Southern Super Series events will be live-streamed on a combination of Racing America, SPEEDSPORT.tv and FloRacing.
The ASA STARS National Tour will open the 10-race, six-state schedule at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, Saturday, March 11. The Sunshine State 200 will be live-streamed on both Racing America and SPEEDSPORTt.tv. MAVTV will air the event on Monday, March 20, at 8:00 pm (EDT). FloRacing will stream one event, at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Tuesday, May 16, due to its already established partnership with NASCAR and the CARS Tour. For the full ASA STARS National Tour schedule, plus Super Late Model rules and other information, visit the series website.
Kia EV6 Awarded Motorweek’s 2023 Drivers’ Choice “Best of the Year” and “Best EV” Awards
The ’22 Kia EV6 was named “Best of the Year” in the 41st annual MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards. The EV6 was also awarded “Best EV” alongside three other top electric vehicles.
To determine the winners, the MotorWeek team evaluates nearly 150 vehicles based on factors such as price, practicality, performance and fuel efficiency. The staff then selects the best models in a variety of lifestyle categories ranging from family sedan to luxury car, to large utilities and pickups. From that group, an overall “Best of the Year” is chosen.
“Kia is no stranger to electric vehicles, but with the EV6 crossover, the brand not only capitalized on its experience, but developed an affordable passenger vehicle that is so refined, purposeful, yet fun to drive, that it catapults above and beyond any discussion of just the all-electric powertrain,” said John Davis, host and creator of MotorWeek. “The EV6 pushes all the buttons. Design details like its five-door coupe-like profile, flush door handles and unique LED lighting make it a styling leader. Yet, being built on a dedicated EV platform, means an airy interior with exceptional room front and rear, all executed with an ultra-clean layout that perfectly blends sportiness and comfort. Every EV6 model begs to be driven with enthusiasm thanks to near-instant throttle response and nailed-down handling. The Kia EV6 is simply an outstanding, breakthrough vehicle design, period!”
The 2023 Drivers' Choice Award winners are featured on MotorWeek.org and appear on a special episode of MotorWeek airing on public television stations beginning February 11. The episode can also be seen on the series' cable partner, the MAVTV Motorsports Network beginning February 26.
Subaru Debuts All-New ’24 Crosstrek Compact SUV
Subaru of America Inc. has debuted the all-new ’24 Crosstrek at the Chicago Auto Show. The ’24 Crosstrek offers improved performance, enhanced safety features and updated multimedia technology. The third-generation compact SUV also combines all-new exterior and interior designs with a new stiffer chassis to create a fun and comfortable driving experience both on and off-road.
The Crosstrek debuted 12 years ago and quickly became the fastest-selling vehicle in history for Subaru of America, with more than a million units sold. In 2022, Crosstrek was the top performer by volume with 155,142 annual sales, achieving its best year ever.
For 2024, the Crosstrek will be available in Base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim levels and has a starting price of $24,995.
The 2024 Crosstrek has been designed around the concept of utility and sportiness that lends itself to an active lifestyle. The 8.7-in. ground clearance for all Crosstrek models is greater than that of many SUVs, yet it maintains a comfortably low step-in height for both front- and rear-passenger entry.
Standard across the model line is a revised Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with a faster response time, more agile handling and better control both on- and off-road. Driver-selectable X-MODE with Hill Descent Control maximizes wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines. Sport and Limited trims upgrade to dual-function X-MODE for increased capability in a wider range of conditions. All models feature Incline Start Assist, which briefly holds the vehicle while the driver pulls away from a stop on a hill.
The versatile Crosstrek features 60/40 folding rear seatbacks. With both seatbacks down, the cargo area can increase to 54.7 cu. ft. of useable space. The 41.0-in.-wide rear gate opening with low liftover height allows easy loading and unloading. Standard fixed cross bar mounting points (and standard raised roof rails on Premium and higher) add more cargo-carrying options for owners’ adventures.
The Base and Premium are equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder direct-injection Subaru Boxer engine producing 152 hp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. The Sport and Limited upgrade to a 2.5L Boxer engine delivering a responsive 182 hp and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. Standard on all trim levels is a Lineartronic CVT with smoother and quieter performance. The Premium, Sport and Limited trims feature a manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via eight pre-set ratios. The SUV's drivetrain is further enhanced with standard Active Torque Vectoring and the SI-Drive performance management system. The Base and Premium come standard with 17-in. alloy wheels and the Sport and Limited upgrade to 18-in. alloy wheels.
For more information, visit www.subaru.com.
Ram Brand Confirms Name of First Electric Pickup: Ram 1500 REV
Ram Truck brand has confirmed that its first battery-electric pickup truck will be known as the Ram 1500 REV.
“At Ram, we started a revolution last year as we invited consumers along on the beginning of our electrification journey, gathering their feedback on exactly what they are looking for in an electric pickup truck,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “We look forward to delivering our first EV pickup—the all-new Ram 1500 REV—to those consumers next year. We are confident the Ram 1500 REV will push past the competition, offering what will be the leading combination of attributes customers care about the most: range, payload, towing and charge time.”
Production of the all-new Ram 1500 REV will begin next year. The vehicle will be formally revealed to the public in the coming months.
MagnaFlow to Auction Equipment at Lavonia, Georgia, Exhaust Manufacturing Facility
MagnaFlow has announced that it will be auctioning the contents of its Lavonia, Georgia, exhaust manufacturing facility. The auction will be conducted by Cincinnati Industrial Auctioneers. The auction is part of MagnaFlow's plan to consolidate its manufacturing and logistics operations to its headquarters facility in Oceanside, California. The Lavonia, Georgia, exhaust manufacturing facility will be decommissioned, and the auction will include a wide range of equipment, including:
- CNC tube benders by Addison and Eagle
- Eagle end formers
- CNC wire benders
- Cold saws, welders, toolroom machinery
- Pallet rack
- Plastic totes and steel bins
- Air compressors, MRO department, miscellaneous plant support
- Raw material
The auction will take place February 15 at 10:00 a.m. (EST), and interested bidders can register online at www.cia-auction.com.
Tread Lightly! Names New Northeast U.S. Program Manager
Tread Lightly! has announced the addition of a new program manager in the northeastern United States, Scott Ammerman. As the northeast program manager, Ammerman will create and foster relationships with the land managers that allow for the implementation of Tread Lightly!’s stewardship, education and outreach programs. He will use his knowledge as a wilderness first-aid instructor and co-founder of Go Fox Adventures to help teach the public enjoy the outdoors in a sustainable way, while also helping to improve the recreation opportunities they already have.
Dynabrade Acquires Abrasive Converter Global Abrasive Products
Dynabrade Inc. recently completed the asset purchase of one of its strategic suppliers, Global Abrasive Products Inc.—a 50-employee abrasives converter with locations in Lockport, New York, and Alpharetta, Georgia.
“For Dynabrade, this is a continuation of our strategic initiative to expand the scope of our vertical integration,” says Dynabrade President Michael Buffamonti. “This further elevates our value proposition of becoming the leader in surface solutions and innovative process improvements for industries around the world. With more than 1,000 abrasive power tool configurations, and now an abrasive offering for most any application, Dynabrade is in the unique position to provide greater value to our manufacturing processes and to continue delivering unprecedented cost savings. Customers of both companies will benefit from the combined industrial tool and abrasive product lines.”
This is Dynabrade“s second acquisition in two years, having acquired high-tech production machine shop Manth Manufacturing in 2021.
Bronco Raptor Off-Roadeo School to Professionally Teach Owners High- and Low-Speed Off-Roading
Beginning this summer, new Bronco Raptor SUV owners will be able to put the Bronco Raptor through an Ultra4 Racing-inspired, desert-dune conquering and Baja rock-crawling adventure outside of Las Vegas.
“Bronco Raptor customers want to experience their SUVs in the Ultra4-inspired habitat it was developed for,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “Just like the King of the Hammers race, our Bronco Off-Roadeo Raptor Experience for our customers combines all of the thrilling and unforgiving terrain and conditions of the Mojave Desert with professional off-road instructors and school-provided Bronco Raptors for a Built Wild experience.”
Included with the purchase of a ’22 or ’23 Bronco Raptor, customers receive a full-day of professionally-instructed driving experience designed just for this Ultra4-inspired SUV at an exclusive basecamp facility at Mt. Potosi, home of Bronco Off-Roadeo Nevada. The Bronco Off-Roadeo Raptor Experience is jointly designed by the Bronco brand and Ford Performance teams, Baja and King of the Hammers champions and world-class off-roader drivers including Vaughn Gittin Jr., Loren Healy and Brad Lovell, plus off-road experts including Bob Burns, who helped curate the trails and training scenarios.
More than 31,000 Bronco owners and guests have attended or registered to attend Bronco Off-Roadeo at its four locations in Texas, Nevada, Utah and New Hampshire. Click here to learn more about the Bronco Off-Roadeo Raptor Experience.
Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer Earn 2023 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards
The Jeep brand is the winner of two 2023 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee took top honors as the Best Midsize Utility vehicle and the new Grand Wagoneer won the Best Luxury Utility honors.
“To have MotorWeek recognize two Jeep brand SUVs this year for the prestigious 2023 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards is outstanding,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “From the iconic Jeep Grand Cherokee to the return of two icons in the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, and throughout the rest of our vehicle lineup, we’re proud to design and deliver the best, most capable SUVs in the industry to our customers.”
Now in its 42nd season as the TV and digital media, original, automotive magazine series, MotorWeek holds the annual Drivers’ Choice competition to evaluate vehicles based on driving performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency and value.
Kia Sportage Crowned Utility Vehicle of the Year in 2023 AutoGuide Awards
The ’23 Kia Sportage has been named the Utility Vehicle of the Year in the 2023 AutoGuide Awards, in which AutoGuide editors recognize the best vehicles on the market today.
Since 2013, the AutoGuide Awards celebrate the best new or significantly updated vehicles of the year. Truck and SUV categories were added in 2014, and after taking 2020 off, the Awards returned in 2021 with more categories, including Family Vehicle and Green Vehicle of the year. This year's 2023 awards refined the categories to four: Car, Truck, Utility Vehicle and Electric Vehicle of the year.
“What more can we say about this small SUV than we already have?” said AutoGuide managing editor Mike Schlee. “It won our massive 11-vehicle comparison shootout this past summer and continues to impress us every time we drive it. With gas, hybrid, and plug-in versions available, there's a little something for everyone as well.”
Stellantis Announces Leadership Change in Canada Operations
Stellantis North America has announced that Jason Stoicevich will lead the Canadian operations, reporting to Mark Stewart, North America COO, effective immediately. Stoicevich first joined Stellantis in 2002 and has held a series of positions with increasing responsibility, including vice president – FIAT brand. He rejoined the company in 2018 as director of the California Business Center after three years in a related automotive role. In 2022, he was appointed director of the Southwest (Dallas) Business Center. He has a deep understanding of the automotive industry with a strong background in brand, sales, marketing, dealer network and service.
In a related move, after 35 years of service, David Buckingham, current lead for operations in Canada, has announced his intention to retire at the end of May.
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