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Ford Crown Vic Named Best Cop Car
Car Culture

Ford Crown Vic Named Best Cop Car

September 14, 2023

Haloid Fleet, a recognized authority on public safety vehicles, awarded Ford Motor Company with the title of Best Police Cruiser of All Time for its production of the Ford Crown Victoria. The recognition is based on a thorough review of the vehicle’s performance, safety and reliability, and overall cost.

Although production ended in 2011, in Haloid Fleet’s analysis, the Crown Victoria outranks today’s pursuit vehicles due to a variety of factors:

  • Performance – It maintained pursuit speeds with low-roll-over risk and superior handling; it also sustained only minimal damage when hitting curbs.
  • Convenience – It offered a large trunk and cabin with ample space for police gear.
  • Safety – Its heavy-duty body-on-frame platform kept the vehicle intact in the event of collisions.
  • Reliability – The operating lifespan of a properly maintained Crown Victoria easily exceeded 200,000 miles.
  • Cost – Its plain features, reusable and readily available parts, and long production cycles meant it was inexpensive to buy and operate, costing nearly 70% less to own and operate than today’s vehicles.

The Crown Victoria had its share of issues. While the RWD drivetrain allowed the vehicle to hit curbs at high speeds, it made traction difficult in slippery conditions. And the vehicle’s gas tank was vulnerable to exploding in rear-end collisions, an issue Ford addressed with its fire suppression system in 2003.

“Many industry observers will question our recognition,” said Haloid spokesman George Martinez. “But if you consider the Crown Victoria in terms of cost, reliability, and utility, it’s easy to understand why we chose it. It did the job at a much lower cost than modern cruisers. Many cash-strapped public safety agencies would love to buy these vehicles today.”

Despite the accolades of the Crown Victoria, buyers shouldn’t expect the vehicle to return. Federal fuel mandates and low sales volume make production of the Crown Victoria impossible today. But as pursuit vehicles become more expensive due to tech gadgets and complex drivetrains, the Crown Victoria leaves a lasting legacy of low-cost and reliable automotive production that began in 1983.

A plaque commemorating the Crown Victoria’s recognition was sent to Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, Mich.

Manufacturers’ Optimism Sinks
Car Culture

Manufacturers’ Optimism Sinks

September 14, 2023

The National Association of Manufacturers released its Outlook Survey for the third quarter of 2023, which registered the lowest level of optimism among NAM members (65.1%) since Q2 2020, as the sector continues to confront a tight labor market, unbalanced federal regulations and critical policy debates in Congress. 

“Manufacturers continue to be challenged in today’s economy, but what this survey makes clear is that unbalanced federal regulations are harming families and communities, with nearly two out of three manufacturers reporting that the regulatory burden is preventing them from hiring more workers or increasing pay and benefits,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Congress and the administration can help correct this trend by restoring sensible regulations, enacting further permitting reforms, taking action to keep our tax code competitive and other bipartisan steps to strengthen manufacturing in America and build on the progress we achieved with tax reform, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act and more.”

 

Key Survey Findings:

  • Only 65.1% of respondents felt positive in their company’s outlook, edging down from 67.0% in the second quarter. It was the fourth straight reading below the historical average (74.9%).
  • Concern about an unfavorable business climate was the highest in six years (Q2 2017). 
  • The survey found that 69.1% of small manufacturers, and 63.2% of all respondents, would hire more workers or increase compensation if the regulatory burden decreased.
  • More than 70% of manufacturers would purchase more capital equipment if the regulatory burden on manufacturers decreased, with 48.6% increasing compensation, 48.6% hiring more workers, 42.5% expanding their U.S. facilities and 38.4% investing in research. 
  • The top challenges facing manufacturers include attracting and retaining a quality workforce (72.1%), weaker domestic economy (60.7%), rising health care/insurance costs (60.1%), unfavorable business climate (56.7%), increased raw material costs (45.5%) and supply chain challenges (37.8%). 
Yamaha Buys Marina for Powersports Testing Center
Car Culture

Yamaha Buys Marina for Powersports Testing Center

September 12, 2023

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. has purchased Fort George Island Marina in Duval County, Florida, with the intention of converting the existing facility into the Yamaha Offshore Endurance Center (YOEC), which will serve as a testing center for Yamaha Marine products including outboards, sport boats and WaveRunners. The new YOEC includes a 36,500-square-foot warehouse and marina building as well as a 7,200-square-foot office and event space.

“The YOEC complements our test centers in Alabama and Kennesaw while adding greater capacity and capability. It also supports Yamaha Marine global testing plans by expanding opportunities to develop products,” said Ben Speciale, president, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “The environment provided by this location will allow us to focus on durability and reliability testing for larger engines, systems and boat hull designs in an offshore environment. It will also include an immersive team center designed to inspire future engineering talent.”

REV Group Appoints Board Member
Car Culture

REV Group Appoints Board Member

August 30, 2023

Maureen O’Connell has been appointed as an independent member of the Board of Directors at REV Group, a manufacturer of specialty vehicles. She succeeds Justin Fish, who has resigned after seven years serving as a board director. O’Connell will also sit on the nomination and governance committee.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Justin for his valuable contributions to REV Group over the past seven years,” said Paul Bamatter, chairman of REV Group’s board of directors. “We are delighted to announce Maureen’s election to the board. She is a seasoned business leader with experience in finance, operations, and board oversight of companies across multiple industries. Maureen’s diversity of experience will help broaden the skills of the current board and be invaluable to REV Group as it continues to execute on its vision.”

In addition to REV Group, O’Connell currently is a board member and audit chair for Northwest Healthcare Properties REIT, a board member and audit chair for HH Global, and a board member for Arix Bioscience plc. Maureen is also a board member and audit chair for Acacia Research, serving as audit chair since 2019, chairman from May 2019 until November 2022, and lead director since July 2023.

O’Connell’s career spans 30 years of progressive experience in finance and operations management at several global public companies. She was executive vice president and chief financial officer of Scholastic Corp., and was responsible for finance, operations, supply chain, technology, human resources and legal at the company. Prior to this, she also served as president and chief operating officer at Gartner and chief financial officer of Barnes & Noble.

O’Connell is a NACD certified Director and holds degrees from NYU Stern School of Business and Manhattanville College, and a certificate in board governance from Columbia Business School.

Malcolm Gladwell to Speak at Detroit Auto Show
Car Culture

Malcolm Gladwell to Speak at Detroit Auto Show

August 23, 2023

The Detroit Auto Show announced that Malcolm Gladwell, author of six New York Times bestsellers, will be the featured speaker at the Detroit Auto Show’s new Mobility Global Forum on Sept. 14 at Huntington Place in Detroit. The Forum is a two-day event featuring powerful perspectives from thought leaders and CEOs in mobility, design and technology. The Mobility Global Forum is Sept. 13-14, and the Detroit Auto Show is Sept. 13-24.

Gladwell is the author of “The Tipping Point,” “Blink,” “Outliers,” “What the Dog Saw,” “David and Goliath” and “Talking to Strangers.” He has been named one of the 100 most influential people by TIME magazine.

“We’re extremely pleased to launch the first year of our Mobility Global Forum with a phenomenal best-selling author who has taken the business world by storm,” said Detroit Auto Show Chairman Thad Szott. “Mr. Gladwell’s presentation, together with the incredible roster of speakers we have planned over two days, will provide a compelling look at the dynamic world of new mobility and our place in it.”

In addition to Gladwell’s featured presentation, the Mobility Global Forum will include a powerful speaker lineup of 30+ top executives and industry experts from numerous mobility and technology companies.

A complete schedule of all presentations will be released soon.

Ziebart Names New Director of Retail Operations
Car Culture

Ziebart Names New Director of Retail Operations

August 19, 2023

Thomas Bowler has been promoted to Director of U.S. Retail Operations at Ziebart International Corp., a worldwide leader in premium automotive appearance and protection services. 

Bowler first started at Ziebart in 2016 as a Product Sales and Technical Support Specialist. He most recently served as a Regional Sales Manager for the last three and a half years, working closely with Ziebart’s franchise owners. After spending years gaining extensive knowledge of Ziebart’s sales process and coaching franchise owners on day-to-day operations and providing regular support, Bowler said he looks forward to extending his skillset to include the corporate side of the Ziebart umbrella.

“I’m thrilled to be offered this incredible opportunity to take on more responsibility and accountability within the Ziebart brand by leading our corporate stores,” Bowler said. “My number one career goal has always been to grow with a company that takes care of their people – and that’s exactly what I’ve found with Ziebart.”

As Director of U.S. Retail Operations, Bowler will oversee Ziebart’s 11 corporate-owned stores, handling all of their day-to-day operations, while leading the charge on decisions for the stores, and working with store managers to help continue to move sales in a positive direction.

The world's largest classic car cruise the iconic Woodward Dream Cruise will wind its way through the Detroit suburbs on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.
Car Culture

Ford Sponsors Woodward Dream Cruise

August 16, 2023

Ford Motor Co. continues its commitment to support the 28th annual Woodward Dream Cruise as presenting sponsor for the sixth consecutive year. Each year, around 1.5 million people come out to enjoy more than 40,000 cars ranging from muscle, street rods, custom builds, collector cars, and special edition vehicles. This summer’s Woodward Dream Cruise is set to be held on Saturday, Aug. 19.

“It’s incredibly special to celebrate Ford’s 120th Anniversary with Henry Ford’s first race car along with our entire portfolio to help power the Woodward Dream Cruise,” stated Bryan Guldi, Ford U.S. branded activations manager. “Collaborating with the Woodward Dream Cruise is very important to Ford Motor Company because we strive to contribute and give back in meaningful ways to the communities where we live, work… and cruise.”

A 1970 Plymouth Cuda at the Woodward Dream Cruise, Detroit, MI.

To pay homage to one of the classic pony cars, the all-new Mustang Dark Horse is depicted in this year’s official 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise logo. Debuting this summer with its updated looks and sleek design, all while maintaining the manual transmission, Ford has outdone itself once again with a modern twist to a classic. In addition to the Mustang Dark Horse, Ford will also be spotlighting the Bronco Raptor and its off-road, adrenaline-inducing prowess capable of pure adventure. Keeping up with the eco-conscious times, the all-electric, zero-emission F-150 Lightning will be making another appearance at this year’s event.

“The Woodward Dream Cruise is an event that not only brings together the Michigan car community, but also families and friends from around the country,” said Michael Lary, president of the Woodward Dream Cruise.

 

 

Industry Honors ‘Auto Impresario’ with Charity
Car Culture

Industry Honors ‘Auto Impresario’ with Charity

August 15, 2023

Auto impresario Don Williams often said he wanted to “touch every great car in the world,” and in the process of doing that—buying and selling, collecting, and sharing great cars— Williams touched a multitude of car people, too.

“Friendship is the glue that connects the car world globally,” said Sandra Button, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Chairman. “The word ‘friend’ doesn’t seem like a big enough word to describe Don and his influence on the whole of the collector car world. But it describes exactly what Don was: a friend to all.”

Williams shared his cars at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for over 50 consecutive years. Image: Kimball Studios/Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Now Williams’ friends want to pay tribute to him by funding a program that trains underserved youth to be mechanics and restorers.

The idea to remember Williams in this manner emerged in a conversation between Button and her husband, Martin, along with Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson and his wife, Carolyn, the auction company’s chief philanthropy officer.

“Don was a beloved member of our Barrett-Jackson family and the collector car community as a whole,” said Craig Jackson. “For five decades, Don was a vital part of our auctions. A trusted advisor, we shared a love for restoring cars and it’s an honor to make this donation in his memory as we fuel the growth and prosperity of this hobby that Don loved for generations to come.”

The Buttons and the Jackson Family Foundation have made substantial contributions to bring this idea to life—and they invite others to join them.

Their teams went in search of the best recipient for these funds—and found it in an emerging program focused on collector car restoration at Rancho Cielo, one of the Pebble Beach Concours charities. Rancho Cielo was founded in 2000 to provide education, workforce training, counseling, and a variety of services to youth that have not done well in traditional school systems and communities.

Celebrities Join Dealer Group for Charity
Car Culture

Celebrities Join Dealer Group for Charity

August 13, 2023

Corewell Health Foundation – Southeast Michigan announced that the Feldman Automotive Group, in partnership with Mark Wahlberg, will once again be the title sponsor of the Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Celebrity Invitational.

The Invitational will take place Aug. 28th at the Detroit Golf Club. All proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network at Beaumont Children's and the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation. The goal is to raise $1.5 million this year.

The Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Celebrity Invitational is Metro Detroit’s largest celebrity golf event, featuring more than 50 national and local celebrities. Jay Feldman, chairman/CEO for the Feldman Automotive Group, is also part of the event committee.

“We got involved with Corewell Health because giving back and helping children is important to me and my family,” Feldman said. “It is gratifying to see so many celebrities, whose presence drives participation, get behind this event to help our cause.”

The Invitational provides a full day of golf on the premier courses of the Detroit Golf Club and hospitality. New this year is the debut of the Golf Ball. This after-golf cocktail party and strolling dinner gives guests the opportunity to mingle with the celebrities attending and bid on over-the-top experiences.  

A snapshot of some of the participants joining Jay Feldman and Mark Wahlberg and Mark’s brothers Robert, Paul and Jim include local celebs like Michigan State Basketball Coach Tom Izzo to actor/comedian Kevin James and boxing great Evander Holyfield, among many others.

Support for Children’s Miracle Network at Beaumont Children’s provides life-saving services, vital pediatric equipment and funds for patient scholarships given to families unable to afford needed care. The Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation will utilize funds to improve the quality of life for youth in Detroit, Boston and nationwide, by providing financial resources and community support to youth services. 

Deadline Arrives for Northwood University’s Leadership 2.0 Series
Car Culture

Deadline Arrives for Northwood University’s Leadership 2.0 Series

August 11, 2023

The University of Aftermarket, through Northwood University, is accepting registration for this year’s Leadership 2.0 series.

“Leadership 2.0 consists of robust discussion and learning related to the challenges and opportunities confronting the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket,” stated Dr. Thomas Litzinger, executive director of the University of the Aftermarket and the industry chair for aftermarket education at Northwood University.

The Leadership 2.0 experience includes a blend of industry research and market analysis, lively discussion and debate on the challenges confronting the light vehicle and heavy-duty aftermarket, competitive strategies, interpersonal communication skills, contract negotiations, conflict resolution, organizational culture, cyber-security best practices, insight into supply chain solutions, and other challenging and evolving industry topics and trends.

The program Leadership Development 2.0 is designed for mid-level to upper-level managers who want to enhance and develop their leadership skills. 

“Professionals searching for direction and guidance on how to become a better leader, develop enriched communication, people skills, assess improved cyber-security, and supply chain, sales management, and organizational culture techniques should attend this series,” Litzinger added.

Leadership 2.0 is facilitated by Northwood faculty, senior aftermarket executives, and industry leaders. The program is comprised of two, five-day sessions. Session I is conducted at Northwood University’s Midland, Michigan campus at the Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies. Session II’s location is to be determined at this time.

Students who complete this course will be able to: 

  • Discuss the current and emerging trends within the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket.
  • Identify strategies to distinguish their organizations from the competition and dominate the marketplace.
  • Debate best practices associated with cyber-security and supply chain governance.
  • Compare the challenges connected with creating a vibrant organizational culture.
  • Define values, beliefs, and behaviors.
  • Debate methodologies surrounding conflict resolution and contract negotiation.
  • Prepare team projects.

The series starts with Session 1 from Aug. 20-24 at Northwood University, 4000 Whiting Drive, Midland, Michigan.

The cost is $6,650 per attendee, including tuition, materials, snacks, and lunch. Students who complete the course will earn seven continuing education units (CEUs) toward their automotive professional designation.

To learn more, visit the course webpage HERE. The deadline to register is today, Aug. 11.

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