JR Motorsports founder Everett Sather has announced that the company was sold to Brock and Kristin Rude. Brock Rude, a 28-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket, is the company's new president and CEO, and he will oversee the day-to-day operation of the company's Ankeny and Boone, Iowa, locations. Kristin Rude will assist in those capacities.
Mitchell 1 recognizes one high school senior each year for outstanding achievement in automotive technology scholastics. This year's recipient was Crystal Rogers from Gray Court, South Carolina. She received the Automotive Technology Outstanding Student Scholarship at the 2010 North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) Conference and was presented with a check for $2,500 and a certificate from Mitchell 1.
For the first time in the events 24-year history, the Goodguys West Coast Nationals will feature musclecars through 1972. In addition to the arrival of musclecars, the Goodguys staff will scour the grounds searching for a finalist for the 2010 Muscle Car of the Year award and other accolades, such as the Mighty Muscle," Mighty Mustang" and "Slicks 60s." More information on the Goodguys West Coast Nationals, August 27–29, is available at www.ggwestcoastnats.com.
Autogeek was selected at the "Presents Sponsor" of Masters Entertainment Group's newest TV series, "Motorhead Garage," featuring Sam Memmolo and Dave Bowman, formerly of "Shadetree Mechanic" and "Two Guys Garage." In addition to its sponsorship, Autogeek will also provide several features for auto enthusiasts that offer step-by-step instructions on keeping vehicles looking their best.
Bosco International recently introduced new changes to its website, www.boscointernational.com. Upgrades to the site include easily accessible product descriptions, a sales sheet with product specifications and company contact information on each page. The newly reformatted site allows company interested in private labeling to view POP displays.
U.S. Auto Parts has signed a definitive Stock Purchase Agreement to acquire Whitney Automotive Group for the purchase price of $27.5 million and assumption of approximately $11 million in trade-related and other payables. Whitney Automotive Group is expected to have $110–$120 million in revenues under U.S. Auto Parts ownership in 2010. The Whitney Automotive Group, best known for the JC Whitney brand, has a brand portfolio that includes Stylintrucks.com, Carparts.com, and Allbikesupershop.com which, along with JCWhitney.com, generate approximately three million monthly unique visitors. Whitney Automotive Group owns a $10 million state-of-the-art distribution center located in Illinois, which holds approximately $15 million of owned inventory and was custom-built for B2C distribution of auto parts. The acquisition would allow U.S. Auto Parts to complete a three-distribution center network. Closing of the acquisition is subject to certain conditions specified in the Stock Purchase Agreement and is anticipated to occur during August 2010. U.S. Auto Parts expects the integration of the companies to be completed in 2011.
The Atturo Tire Corp. has entered an exclusive distribution agreement with RC Comercio for Atturo's UHP brand. RC Comercio is now doing business as Atturo Pneus Brazil. According to Atturo, Brazil as a key market for the company and will serve as a regional indicator for the brand's potential in South and Central America.
Mobileye Inc. has signed a retail distribution agreement with Car Toys through which Mobileye’s aftermarket accident avoidance systems will be made available for purchase through the retailer’s fleet distribution channel, as well as its 51 locations in metropolitan areas across the western United States.