By SEMA News Editors
Lincoln Nautilus Named 2025 MotorTrend SUV of the Year
MotorTrend Group has announced the Lincoln Nautilus as the 2025 SUV of the Year award winner. Lincoln's premium SUV stood out from competitors thanks to its elegant and sporty exterior, excellent driver assist features, interior comfort and user-friendly, in-vehicle digital experience system. The Nautilus takes the Lincoln brand to the next level with an x-factor that captivated MotorTrend's judges and ultimately placed the midsize luxury two-row crossover SUV at the top of the podium, according to a MotorTrend announcement.
The Lincoln Nautilus beat several impressive competitors, including the Rivian R1S, Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus GX550, Hyundai Santa Fe, GMC Hummer SUV and the Mercedes G-Wagen. The prestigious MotorTrend "Of The Year" awards are based on six key criteria: safety, efficiency, value, advancement in design, engineering excellence, and performance of intended function.
"The right SUV is the perfect combination of style, comfort, and first-class driving experience --and the Nautilus delivers on every front. Each occupant, including backseat passengers, feels valued," said Ed Loh, MotorTrend Group's head of editorial. "The Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid also combines a compelling luxury experience mixed with uncompromised fuel efficiency, all at a competitive price."
Now in its second generation, the two-row, five-passenger Lincoln Nautilus slots neatly between Lincoln's larger three-row, seven-passenger Aviator and smaller two-row, five-passenger Corsair. In terms of powertrain performance, the standard powertrain is a 2.0 L turbocharged inline-four coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine is good for 250 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque. The Nautilus hybrid replaces the eight-speed with an eCVT--the "e" meaning there is an electric motor good for 168 HP hooked into the continuously variable transmission. The hybrid has a combined output of 310 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Lincoln's mission was to make this vehicle feel like an oasis on wheels, and they accomplished the goal on every front, MotorTrend said. The vehicle combines elegant design and a reliable powertrain with acute attention to detail, all with driver and passenger comfort in mind. MotorTrend's expert team of editors appreciated the luxury feel of the entire SUV and was specifically impressed by the quality of design and attention to detail involved in the interior, from the quality of the seats to the massive 48-in. panoramic display.
For more in-depth analysis of why the Lincoln Nautilus was named 2025 SUV of the Year, visit MotorTrend's SUV of the Year award story at motortrend.com/news/lincoln-nautilus-2025-suv-of-the-year/.
Timbren Industries Invests CAD 1.3 Million in Advanced Equipment and Machinery
Timbren Industries, the Whitby, Ontario, Canada-based provider of high-performance suspension solutions, has invested more than CAD $1.3 million (approximately $940,000) in advanced equipment and machinery, including state-of-the-art milling machines, new rubber molding equipment and significant upgrades to their paint line. These advancements will enhance the production process and help meet the growing demand for Timbren's high-quality suspension products, including the Timbren SES and Axle-Less trailer suspension systems.
"We are dedicated to staying ahead of the curve by investing in the best technology to manufacture durable, high-performance suspension solutions," said Neil Hodgson, CEO of Timbren Industries. "These upgrades ensure that our products continue to meet the highest standards of quality, providing the exceptional performance our customers expect."
For more information, visit timbren.com.
RNR Tire Express Announces 4 Key Leadership Promotions
RNR Tire Express has announced four strategic promotions, including the appointment of a new CEO.
The promotions include former National Franchise President Adam Sutton to CEO, as well as Matthew Warren, former SVP, to COO, Kyle Parman to president of corporate store operations, and Matt King to VP of corporate store operations.
Sutton, who previously served as president of RNR, has been with the brand since 2017. With more than two decades of executive leadership experience, he will oversee the RNR franchise system and its nearly 200 locations nationwide and will focus on guiding growth through creative and strategic innovation.
In his seventh year with the brand, Warren oversees all company operations and departments while implementing proactive and dynamic solutions to help drive bottom line results and optimize operational efficiency.
Parman's role as the president of corporate store operations includes overseeing the operational functions of the organization to ensure alignment with the company goals and driving overall performance. He has more than 20 years of experience with RNR Tire Express.
As the VP of corporate store operations, King is responsible for oversight of the 25 corporate stores' daily activities and ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across all operation processes, the company said. This new role will include monitoring performance, managing risk and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
For more information, visit rnrfranchise.com.
AACF Announces Nominations Open for Inaugural AACF Humanitarian Award Sponsored by NEXUS North America
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), an organization supporting people in the automotive aftermarket and their families, is now accepting nominations for its first-ever AACF Humanitarian Award sponsored by NEXUS North America.
The award aims to recognize and honor outstanding individuals, companies, associations or groups within the automotive aftermarket industry who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving the lives of others through humanitarian efforts.
Nominees for this award should exemplify compassion, selflessness and a strong sense of social responsibility. Their actions should have made a significant and positive impact on communities locally, nationally or globally.
Nominations for the AACF Humanitarian Award can be submitted here through January 31, 2025. Nominations will be reviewed by a committee consisting of AACF Board and Executive Committee members, as well as a NEXUS executive.
The selection process for the AACF Humanitarian Award will be rigorous, with nominees evaluated based on their demonstrated impact and commitment to humanitarian causes. The award recipient will be announced at a special ceremony during Auto Care Association Connect 2025.
To submit a nomination or learn more about the AACF Humanitarian Award criteria, visit aftermarketcharity.org/humanitarianhero.
Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.