CAR WASH INDUSTRY HEADING TO NASHVILLE

The Car Wash Show™ 2019 will take center stage at the Music City Center in Nashville, May 13 – 15.

The event will feature more than 400 venders, with a focus on new technology developments and changing consumer demands in the car wash, quick lube and detailing industries. During the three-day show, attendees will have the opportunity to attend business-focused education sessions and interact with more than 8,000 industry peers from across the country.

This year, show organizers are offering two ways to experience the show: a Basic or Premium Pass, offering more hands-on exposure to exhibitor innovations. Basic Pass holders have access to the exhibit floor as well as Quick Hits and Partner Solution Sessions. Premium Pass holders access all of the above, plus the premium education program for a deep dive into specific aspects critical to business success—technology, business strategy, marketing, talent management and quick lube. In addition, members of ICA, AOCA, WCA, ACWA and BOVAG will experience exclusive benefits throughout the show. For more information and to register, visit www.carwash.org.

The Car Wash Show, slated for May 13 – 15 in Nashville, will feature more than 400 exhibiting companies and is expected to draw more than 8,000 attendees from across the country.

TRUCK ACCESSORIES GROUP ACQUIRES BEDSLIDE

Truck Accessories Group (TAG) recently completed its acquisition of Takit Inc., which does business as BEDSLIDE. The retractable truck-bed cargo tray brand fits TAG’s strategic approach to the market on multiple levels, said Lester Lee, TAG president and COO. “Not only is it complementary to the brands we already offer, it’s sold to the same customer base.  They also have a direct relationship with the OEMs—they are an accepted product by both Ford and GM. That’s a huge advantage for us.”

BEDSLIDE, a long-time TAG partner, is sold as an accessory by the LEER dealer network. According to the announcement, owners of LEER, SnugTop, Century and Pace Edwards truck covers will now be able to purchase BEDSLIDE cargo-management tracks and rail systems capable of carrying up to 2,000 lbs. of gear and supplies.  “The acquisition of BEDSLIDE by TAG will greatly benefit shops as we immediately invest in new-product development and increase our investment in advertising to help drive more business to shops that carry our brands,” added Lee.

The retractable BEDSLIDE cargo tray, shown here mounted in a pickup with a LEER truck cap, is capable of holding up to 2,000 lbs. of recreational or work-related gear. The brand, recently acquired by TAG, is part of the company’s family of truck products.

TINT WORLD OPENS NEW JERSEY LOCATION

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has opened its first store in the Garden State. Located in Eatontown, New Jersey, and owned by local entrepreneur Paul Bongiorno, the store is a full-service auto styling center providing a full range of styling and safety services and products, as well as residential and commercial window film.

“I’ve known Paul for many years, and he is going to provide Eatontown with great products as well as great services,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “This is going to b e a great location for those living in north New Jersey who want a full-service auto and accessory center to outfit their cars with the latest in safety technology and with the most stylish aftermarket products.”

CHEVROLET COLORADO ZR2 TRANSFORMED INTO BEEFY BISON

The trail-ready 2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison, a beefier version of the Colorado ZR2 rock-jumper released in 2017, is an over-the-top, go-anywhere midsize pickup. According to Chevrolet, the genesis of Chevy’s first collaboration with Michigan-based American Expedition Vehicles—a maker of off-road parts and accessories—the ZR2 Bison is as capable in the wild as its namesake.

The brawny Bison boasts five AEV-designed skid plates for boulder-proof protection of the engine oil pan, fuel tank, electronic 2-speed transfer case and electronic front- and rear-locking differentials. The plates are made of hot-stamped Boron steel, four times stronger than high-strength steel. AEV also penned the truck’s stamped steel front and rear bumpers. Recovery points are integrated into the rear bumpers.

Other features include clever valve work inside the aluminum damper housing to provide precise ride and handling in all conditions. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac off-road tires provide rock-climbing grip, and are wrapped in 17” x 18” aluminum wheels.  Additional details include Bison decals, plus an AEV Bison logo on the tailgate, floor liners and front head restraints.

The brawny 2019 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison, which rides on Goodyear Wrangler off-road tires wrapped around 17”x18” aluminum wheels, is ready to take on the roughest terrain.

LTA MANUFACTURING NAMES TED FLICK CEO
LTA Manufacturing LLC has appointed Ted Flick as the new chief executive officer of the company and its four brands, LoadMaster, ATC Truck Covers, Jason Industries and Ranch Fiberglass. Flick will oversee the organization’s growth and manage operations as well as the consolidation and integration of the various business entities, according to the company.

Flick comes to LTA with 35 years of industry experience, most recently as executive chairman of the National Truck Protection Company. He holds two Master’s degrees, one in management and the other in administration. “We are very proud to announce the appointment of Ted Flick to the position of chief executive officer of LTA Manufacturing LLC,” said Paul DeBruce, founder of the DeBruce Foundation whose subsidiary, DeBruce Companies, owns LTA Manufacturing. “We are confident in his ability to lead the company into the future.”

Ted Flick is the newly appointed CEO of LTA Manufacturing and its family of brands.