By SEMA News Editors
Malco Automotive Unveils Rebrand, Announces New Products
Malco Automotive, the detailing and car care product provider, has undergone a company-wide rebrand and introduced four new products.
The refresh was unveiled at the 2024 SEMA Show and includes a new brand identity and new packaging for Malco Automotive products.
"Malco's new branding is the culmination of four generations of family ownership and more than 70 years in business," said Malco President Seth Glauberman. "Our team has worked remarkably hard to do its legacy justice, and we couldn't be happier with the final product. This refresh showcases our dedication to preserving the Malco name while also continuing to innovate and create high-performance products for today's detailers."
Malco also introduced four new additions to its product line at the 2024 SEMA Show:
- SLIK SiO2 Paint Protectant Spray: Spray-on drying agent, paint protectant and gloss amplifier that can be applied wet or dry to all exterior vehicle surfaces.
- VELOCITY One-Step Polish and Wax: Combines polishing and protective waxing in a single formula.
- IRON BLASTER 2.0: A low-odor spray formulated to remove tough iron contaminants from vehicle paint and baked-on metallic brake pad deposits on wheels.
- EPIC ASCEND Ceramic Coating: Provides a professional-grade ceramic barrier that enhances gloss and protects against environmental contaminants.
For more information, visit malcoautomotive.com.
Ben O'Connor Becomes Total Seal Vice President Sales & Marketing
Ben O'Connor has been promoted to vice president of sales and marketing of Total Seal, the Phoenix-based piston ring manufacturer.
In his expanded role, O'Connor will guide the marketing direction and lead sales efforts at Total Seal. O'Connor has more than 40 years of experience in both sales and marketing, previously working for Klein Engines, Bear Brake Systems and Impact Racing,
"Total Seal is happy to have O'Connor's extensive skills, industry experience and network of contacts poised to play a crucial role in propelling the company's success forward," said Matt Hartford, CEO of Total Seal.
For more information, visit totalseal.com.
Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association Welcomes $400M Commitment to National Right to Repair
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has welcomed an announcement from Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers detailing a $400-million annual investment to advance Right to Repair (R2R) across industries in the country.
Building on the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Law of 2021, Australia's landmark automotive R2R legislation, this new commitment marks a pivotal step in creating a truly competitive and consumer-friendly repair landscape across all sectors, the association said.
"This announcement is a tremendous boost to consumer rights, business efficiency and national productivity," said AAAA CEO Stuart Charity. "The Motor Vehicle Service and Repair law transformed the automotive sector by guaranteeing independent access to essential repair information, and now this federal investment will broaden those benefits. A robust Right to Repair framework increases productivity by reducing repair wait times, cutting down costs, and encouraging a dynamic marketplace that drives efficiency and innovation."
In his upcoming meeting with state and territory officials, Chalmers plans to discuss key R2R reforms alongside adopting trusted international product safety standards. These reforms are projected to deliver significant economic benefits, including an estimated $400 million annually in R2R-related productivity gains, as they streamline access to repairs and boost economic dynamism.
For more information, visit aaaa.com.au.
VIP Tires & Service Opens New Location in Barre, Vermont
VIP Tires & Service has opened its 74th location in Barre, Vermont.
The new location, which opened on November 8, is the sixth location in the state, with other Vermont VIP Tires & Services stories in Burlington, Shelburne, Williston, Rutland and Bennington. The new location sells tires, as well as a full range of automotive services, and is staffed with ASE- and Tire Industry Association-certified professionals. The Barre store is managed by Nick Haskins and employs eight employees, with plans to eventually employ a team of 12.
Formerly a Volkswagen-Mazda dealership, the approximately 13,000-sq.-ft. building in Barre has been renovated by VIP Tires & Service to include a remodeled customer lounge, an expanded shop with new equipment and the conversion of office spaces into a dedicated tire storage area. The shop is outfitted with eight service bays.
For more information, visit vipauto.com.
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