Maaco Urges Veterans To Join Body Shop Family

Maaco Collision Repair and Auto Painting has announced a new program aimed at encouraging veterans to become franchise owners. According to the company, under the new initiative, qualified veterans will receive significant financial incentives, including a substantial reduction in the initial franchise fee as well as a reduction of the royalty fees during the first two years of a new Maaco center’s operation.

A longtime supporter of the nation’s veterans, Maaco seeks to tap into the knowledge, skills and work ethic veterans acquire during their military service, noted Maaco President Bob Benjamin, who served for 30 years as a colonel in the U.S. Army.

“My senior vice president of operations was a Naval special operations officer, and we have a long history of not only hiring veterans to work on the Maaco team, but also a long history of military veterans owning franchises. Veterans bring with them skills learned throughout their service, such as a strong work ethic, determination and a get-it-done attitude that makes them successful entrepreneurs. We are proud to help them get started running their own business,” said Benjamin.

In addition to reduced fees, veteran franchisees also receive a proven playbook backed by 47 years of industry experience, a training program and ongoing operational support. For more information, contact Mason Bennett at mbennett@maaco.com or visit www.franchisewithmaaco.com.

Maaco, a leader in the automotive paint and collision industry, has launched a new initiative to encourage military veterans to become franchise owners.

Roush Rolls Out Power-Packed Raptor

For devotees of the 2019 Ford F-150 and Raptor, Roush Performance Products has created two high-performance packages designed using OEM CAD data to assure proper fitment. The modifications are performed at the company’s Plymouth, Michigan, plant, which also produces the Roush Mustang. Both truck models are compatible with premium pump gas and are covered by a three-year/36,000-mile limited Roush powertrain warranty.

The Level 1 Performance Pac, which fits the 2019 F-150 3.5L and Raptor High Output (HO) EcoBoost engines, features several upgrades, including significantly improved horsepower and torque, improved airflow, high-performance throttle, and a washable and reusable performance air filter, plus Roush powertrain control module (PCM) calibration and Roush cold-air intake kit.

According to Roush, the Level 2 Performance Pac for the 3.5L EcoBoost engine “has been engineered to deliver trademark Roush power and performance in an easy-to-install kit.”  Along with additional horsepower and torque, there’s a custom exhaust made from 3-inch, mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing for corrosion resistance, reduced back pressure and improved performance. Other features include Roush’s cat-back side-exit exhaust, PCM calibration and cold-air intake kit. www.roushperformance.com.

The 2019 Ford F-150 and Raptor get a performance makeover, courtesy of Roush Performance Products.T

Tint World Automotive Styling Centers recently announced the opening of a new location in Charleston, South Carolina. Owned and operated by father-son team of Tom and Drew Nixon, the store will provide full-service auto styling for the city and is the first Tint World in Charleston.

The company will offer a complete range of automotive styling and safety products, including window film, paint protection film, mobile electronics, advanced driver-assistance systems and car audio upgrades, as well as residential and commercial window film.

“Tom and Drew have a progressive approach to business ownership; they are a great addition to the Tint World family,” said Tint World President and CEO Tom Bonfiglio. “Charleston customers will be impressed by their commitment to customer service and enthusiasm for all things automotive.”

Meet The New Chevy Trailblazer

For those who remember the original Chevrolet Trailblazer, the reimagined Trailblazer, due out in early 2020, may bring to mind the 1989 comic-sci-fi movie “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” in which an inventor accidently shrank his kids.  But this is no accident. GM has gone back to the drawing boards. Gone is the big, brawny Trailblazer of old, replaced instead by a small crossover utility vehicle crafted with eye-catching, sporty accents.

Though the new Trailblazer will likely fit into the same segment as the Nissan Rogue and Jeep® Compass, GM plans to offer a host of advanced safety and technology features—including lane-keeping assist, lane- departure warning and automatic emergency braking—as standard equipment on every model.

Adaptive cruise control and rear-parking sensors will be offered either as options or as standard equipment on upscale trim levels, while the upmarket RS model will come standard with a two-tone roof. The interior features a touch screen integrated into the center console. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility will be available as well.

The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer, due out in early 2020, is a sporty, downsized and reimagined version of its original namesake. The upmarket Trailblazer RS, shown here, sports a two-tone roof and fender flares, spindle-shaped grille and other eye-catching accents.