Coretalk: PROFormance Acquires Automotive Remanufacturers de México

PROFormance Acquires Automotive Remanufacturers de México
PROFormance Technologies, LLC has acquired a controlling interest in Automotive Remanufacturers de México S. de R.L. de C.V., a leading automotive parts remanufacturer located in Aguascalientes, México.

The acquired company was previously a business segment of Recon Automotive Remanufacturers and was part of a sale of Recon's assets to PROFormance. The acquisition provides PROFormance expanded production capacity, a broadened product offering and entry into the Mexican and Central American markets for remanufactured automobile engines.

"PROFormance continues to grow its remanufactured engine business. This acquisition allows us to support our growth initiatives, provides us a channel to sell into the Mexican market and accelerates our ongoing product development by quickly bringing new engine categories on line," said Clint Georg, president and CEO of PROFormance.

The company will operate the Mexican unit as PROFormance Powertrain Products, Mexico. Currently, it produces engines under ISO 9001 standards and sells to the U.S. and Latin American markets. In parallel to the acquisition, PROFormance has increased the capacity of the Mexican operation by installing numerous state-of-the-art production machines, including CNC equipment.

PROFormance continues to invest in relevant tools to ensure quality. The Mexican operation utilizes Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles for quality and efficiencies and recently redesigned its production flow based on the highly successful Lean Management production principles employed at PROFormance's Springfield, MO facility.

"We are very proud to be an integrated part of the PROFormance group," said Beto Ortega, President of PROFormance, México, "Each operation has individual strengths that, when combined together, will help the whole organization diversify rapidly into new markets and bring to market product offerings with unsurpassed quality standards." The financial terms of the acquisition were not released. Financing for the transaction was provided by LaSalle Business Credit LLC, a leader in asset-based lending. For more information go to www.goppt.com.

Five First-Time Kings, First-Ever Queen Win IMCA 2007 IMCA Championships
Five first-time kings and a first-ever queen join a pair of aces with three titles each in IMCA's 2007 national championship class.

v Jared Siefert of Green Bay, WI, topped the Modified standings, Jesse Smith of Mankato, MN, ruled the Sprint Cars and Jeff Turner of Kaufman, TX, paced the Jeff's Performance Southern SportMods.

Chris Abelson of Sioux City, IA, led the way in the Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods and Luke Wanninger of Jefferson, IA, reigned in the Hobby Stocks. Jena Barthelmes of Marion, IA, raced her way into the history book as IMCA's first female national champion, and as the first Sport Compact national champion.

Mike Nichols of Harlan, TX added a third Stock Car trophy to his collection. Darrel DeFrance of Marshalltown had wrapped up his third career Late Model crown in late August.

With the 2007 IMCA Stock Car National Points race concluded, TEAM EQ has announced that it placed five cars among the top 10 finishers, including National Champion Mike Nichols. Along with his third National Stock Car Champion trophy, Nichols finished the year with 27 feature wins.

Other top 10 finishers from TEAM EQ include David Smith (3), Donavan Smith (7), Dustin Smith (8), and Duain Pritchett (9). Jeff Turner and Brian Blessington of TEAM EQ, finished the year in 11th and 20th place, respectively.

"We congratulate all of our TEAM EQ drivers in the Stock Car category, but especially Mike Nichols on his third series championship," said Eric Haugland, sales manager, AAEQ. "Our cast iron cylinder heads have become the benchmark for maximum horsepower right out of the box, and we are quite proud of the results our team achieved."

TEAM EQ is the motorsports program of EngineQuest (EQ), which manufactures stock replacement and performance cylinder heads and a wide variety of new, remanufactured and reclaimed engine parts. EQ is a sponsor of IMCA Racing and the series sponsor of the organization's Modified Wild West Tour.

Joining Siefert as first-time SuperFlow regional champions were national runner-up Chris Alcorn of Lincoln, NE, Central; Chris Bragg, Springtown, TX, South Central; Dale Caswell, Central Square, NY., Eastern; and Shawn Zelenka, Surprise, AZ, Western. Benji Kirkpatrick of Elm Mott, TX, collected 21 checkers and the Destroyer Chassis Southern Stock Car Region hardware. He was track champion at Heart O' Texas Speedway and Texas Thunder Speedway.

Temple, TX, hotshoe Nathan Sodek nabbed Destroyer Chassis regional honors for the Hobby Stocks. Sodek was a 17-time winner and first in point standings at Abilene Speedway and Heart O' Texas.

Joining Abelson as national rookies of the year were Dillon Smith of Waco, TX, Modifieds; Adam Larson of Ames,IA, Late Models; Troy Manteufel of St. Peter, MN, Sprint Cars; Zach Hamilton of Farmington, NM, Southern SportMods; Donavon Smith of Lake City, IA, Stock Cars; and Bryan Sewell of Seagoville, TX, Hobby Stocks.

Top Modified regional rookies were Smith in the South Central; Jason Czarapata of Pulaski, WI., North Central; Roger Flinn III of Ionia, MI, Eastern; Chase Hansen of Myton, UT, Western; and Mark Zorn of Russell, KS, Central.

Donavon Smith led Northern region Stock Car rookie standings; Jimmy Gore of Forney, TX, paced the Southern region rookie ranks.

Sewell set the bar for the Hobby Stocks in the South while Northern region ROY honors went to Corey J. Cruzan of Maxwell, NE.

All champions and top rookie drivers will be recognized during their national IMCA awards banquet Nov. 24 in Lincoln, NE. For information about the IMCA, visit www.imcaracing.com. For information about Team EQ, visit www.eqcylinderheads.com/ racing.html#letters.

WyoTech Stundent Wins Annual Vic Edelbrock Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Travis Miller, a National Technical Honor Society inductee at the Laramie, WY, campus of WyoTech, has been named the recipient of the $5,500 Vic Edelbrock Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Vic Edelbrock Jr. presented the award to Miller on September 28 at the Laramie campus of WyoTech.

Edelbrock Corporation places the highest values on continuing education and dedication to the automotive aftermarket industry. This commitment and dedication is what has inspired Edelbrock Jr. to honor his late father, Vic Edelbrock Sr. "This school, this program and the dedication from the students is truly an amazing sight to see," stated Edelbrock. "The ability to work with your hands on a technical level and understand the value of a good education is a balance that WyoTech brings to our skilled workers of tomorrow. Back when I was learning under my father, there was no WyoTech or secondary education institutions to become an automotive professional. WyoTech ensures a bright future in the automotive aftermarket to young men and women alike."

Miller plans to use the scholarship to further his education through WyoTech's high performance engine class as well as expand his curriculum into other areas that will help him set the stage as a future small business owner of his own performance vehicle shop. "I believe WyoTech's high performance engine class has been a large accomplishment for me and has increased my knowledge in this area."

For more information visit www.wyotech.edu; or www.edelbrock.com.

Detroit Diesel Unveils 14.8L DD15 Engine For North American Market
After nearly five years and $1.5 billion in development, the new heavy-duty Detroit Diesel DD15 engine was introduced recently at the Detroit Diesel plant.

The DD15 displaces 14.8L, and is a 6-cylinder, in-line design. It is intended for all heavy-duty, North American truck and coach applications, and features improved fuel economy and enhanced performance, the maker says.

The DD15 achieves its goals through the application of a new amplified common rail system (ACRS), as well as innovative turbo compounding technology. This engine is the first in a series of new heavy-duty engines from Detroit Diesel that eventually will cover three displacement categories: 12.8L, 14.8L and 15.6L.

The DD15 is part of the Heavy-Duty Engine Platform, which will ultimately be manufactured by Daimler Trucks in Germany, Japan and the United States. The Heavy-Duty Engine Platform features 90 percent globally shared parts.

Designed for the North American roads, the DD15 will be offered in output and torque variants from 455 HP to 560 HP and 1,550 to 1,850 lb.ft., including dual torque ratings for special applications. The DD15 anticipates our customers' needs for fuel consumption, responsiveness, pulling power, maintenance costs, and environmental sensitivity across North America.

With its combination of exhaust gas recirculation and a particulate filter for reduced emissions, the DD15 is tailored to North America's EPA '07 emissions regulations, and its advanced design will make it ready to take on the upcoming EPA 2010 standards with a simple downstream selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device that optimizes fuel efficiency while reducing harmful NOx emissions, the maker says.

For more information, visit: http://www.detroitdiesel.com/dd15.

CV Products Inc. and Xceldyne Technologies Name President
CV Products and Xceldyne Technologies of Thomasville, NC recently announced that Jim Zoretich will serve as its new president, reporting to Clyde Vickers, who will remain CEO of both companies.

"We are excited with Jim joining our team with his proven track record and wealth of industry knowledge," explained Vickers. "CV Products (now celebrating its 20th year) and Xceldyne will maintain our positive momentum for the next 20 years."

Zoretich has over 20 years in the performance racing industry serving the last two years at The Powersports Division of PMI. Prior to that Mr. Zoretich was President and General Manager for Chambon Crankshafts, also a PMI company.

"I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to join CV Products and Xceldyne as President. CV Products has a long tradition of excellence in serving the motorsports market and Xceldyne has been able to achieve substantial growth by building a reputation for supplying high quality products over the last several years," said Zoretich. "In the role of president, I look forward to working with Clyde Vickers and rest of the team at both CV Products and Xceldyne to build on the excellence they have established in the motorsports industry and achieve the next level of success for these businesses."

Miller to Give Away Ultimate Weldshop, Valued at $17,000
Miller Electric Mfg. Co. is giving away an Ultimate Weldshop valued at more than $17,000. The Ultimate Weldshop Giveaway includes a welder/generator, welding and plasma cutting power sources, auto-darkening helmet, safety gear, welding accessories and personalized expert training.

The Ultimate Weldshop Giveaway grand prize package includes:

The grand prize winner will also receive one-on-one training with a Miller expert conducted at the closest Miller Regional Training Center (travel costs included). Miller will announce the grand prize winner on January 2, 2008.

The Ultimate Weldshop Giveaway runs October 1 through December 31, 2007, and offers participants the opportunity to win more than 1,300 Instant Win prizes, including welding and plasma cutting equipment along with related accessories and gear. For official rules and registration, go to www.MillerWelds.com/ultimate/.

Coretalk - Extra

Street-Performance Segment Growing 5 Percent Annually
Manufacturer sales in the specialty-equipment market's street-performance segment have grown from $438 million in 1993 to $717 million in 2006, a 64 percent increase, according to a recent SEMA study.

Within the segment, performance parts have recorded some of the steadiest growth, up 16 percent from 2000 to 2006 ($262.4 million last year, third only to performance parts sold in the compact-performance and light-truck segments, respectively).

Suspension components and accessories in the street-performance segment grew with less fire than performance parts, although suspension did experience the single greatest spike in sales over the 13-year period. In 2001, suspension sales peaked at $290.6 million before dropping down to $194.3 million the following year.

For more on the street-performance market, read the Racing & Performance Market Update prepared by the SEMA Research & Information Center visit www.sema.org.

BETHESDA, MD - Nov. 7, 2007 - With gas prices heading for $4 a gallon, consumers are making dramatic changes in driving and vehicle care behavior to save money, according to results of a new study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

Nearly six in 10 people surveyed claim their driving behavior has changed due to rising gas prices. One-third of motorists surveyed stated that they would made changes when the price of gasoline reached $3 a gallon, and another 32 percent would invoke driving behavior changes if prices reach $4 a gallon, according to the survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation.

When asked how their driving behavior has changed because of rising gasoline costs, 90 percent said they are driving less and 75 percent revealed that they are better maintaining their vehicle. Other specific behavioral changes were carpooling more (31 percent), purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles (30 percent) and making greater use of public transportation (24 percent). Additionally, more than half of consumers claim they are capable of performing light maintenance and repair jobs themselves.

"The fact that motorists are more aware of how proper vehicle maintenance will improve fuel efficiency is great news for the automotive aftermarket," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. "Properly maintained and operating vehicles are not only more fuel efficient, they are safer and more environmentally friendly.

"And we are delighted to see that 54 percent of consumers consider themselves do-it-yourselfers with light maintenance and 12 percent feel they are capable of doing medium maintenance and repair jobs. This counters claims that the DIY market is dying." Interviews were conducted online with 500 people, 21 years of age or older, who are responsible for the purchasing of fuel and the maintenance and repair of the vehicle they drive. The data was weighted according to gender, age and geographic region. The maximum error range is plus or minus four points at a 95 percent confidence level. For more information on the survey, e-mail Rich White at rich.white@aftermarket.org or call 301-654-6664.

For more information on tips and advice for simple vehicle maintenance and care to improve gas mileage, contact the Car Care Council at www.carcare.org.

Chrysler Aims to Close Fuel Economy Gap
Experts say Chrysler LLC has a long way to go to catch up to its rivals when it comes to fuel economy. Its 2007 CAFE rating of 18.3 mpg is at the bottom of list. But it should begin to improve next year when it introduces several fuel-saving engines to its lineup. There's a new overhead-cam V6 due in 2009. The engines will use a weight-saving aluminum cylinder block instead of cast iron. Chrysler plans to build 3.0, 3.3, 3.6 and 4.0L versions. Each will have variable valve timing and a system that shuts down three cylinders once the engine reaches cruising speed. These engines are expected to make a 6-8 percent boost in fuel economy over today's V6s.

The hugely popular Hemi V8s are scheduled for a major upgrade in 2009. Not much is known about it yet other than the fuel efficiency will be improved. It may receive direct fuel injection or fast-acting piezo fuel injectors along with friction-reducing internal upgrades.

A Mercedes-Benz 3.0L diesel V6 may be available in the 2008 Grand Cherokee. However, with Chrysler and Mercedes parting ways, it is unclear whether the diesel arrangement will continue. Chrysler wants a small-displacement, four-cylinder turbodiesel for North America. Potential sources are Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen or another engine supplier. Chrysler's minivans and mid-sized cars are targeted for a diesel after 2010. Cummins has two new engines due out in 2010, which should be available in the Ram pickup and a 4.7L V8 for the heavy-duty Ram.

Hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles are all the rage today, and in September, Chrysler set up a new engineering operation called ENVI (Environment). It will develop a dedicated hybrid vehicle, as well as electric, hybrid and fuel cell drivetrains for all Chrysler brands.

Chrysler plans full hybrid versions of the 2009 Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen using the Two Mode transmission that DaimlerChrysler, General Motors and BMW developed. The Two Mode is expected to be available first in four-wheel-drive models powered by a Hemi V8 with cylinder cutoff technology. The new engine is expected to improve fuel economy by about 35 percent in city driving.

GM's heavier 4wd Two Mode Tahoe/Yukon should get significantly better fuel economy in the city compared to the regular versions. The Two Mode will be used with the cylinder cutoff system in the Chrysler SUVs. Chrysler also plans a front-drive for its crossovers and possibly small cars.

18th Annual Advanced Engineering Technology Conference Schedule Released
All of the scheduled events will take place at the Orange County Convention Center South Entrance Room S330.

Monday, December 3:
Nick Hayes - Richard Childress Racing Success in Racing
Dr. Dean Hill - New Mexico State University
Fuel, Fuel and More Fuel

David Currier - TRD (Toyota Racing Development)
Racing on Alcohol - A Review Of Methanol, Ethanol And Blends Used In High Performance Engines

SuperFlow Technologies Group

Differences in Dyno Testing gasoline, alcohol and diesel engines

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Bob Colesworthy - IQ Learning Systems, DBA RaceTech, Inc.
E85 and Ethanol - The Next Performance and Racing Fuel

Steve Burns - VP Racing Fuels Gasoline - Pump Gas To Race Fuel & Custom Blend

Ron Shaver - Shaver Racing Engines
Engine Building for Alcohol versus Gasoline, a Race-Proven Approach for Maximizing Horsepower and Consistency

Gale Banks - Gale Banks Engineering
Building, Tuning, and Racing Diesel Engines

Roundtable Session with All of the Speakers From the Previous Two Days

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

MIA - Energy Efficient Motorsports Seminar and Discussion
PRI Industry Roundtable Room S320

For additional information on the speakers and topics, go to www.aetconline.com. AETC Adds Two More Speakers

Adding to its already stout lineup of speakers, Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC) has announced the addition of two more speakers: Richard Karlstetter of Shell Lubricants and Max Legod, HyperMax Engineering. This year's AETC will be held December 3-6 at the Orlando Convention Center.

Richard Karlstetter - Shell
In his current role Richard represents Shell in the global motorsport industry and works with key motorsport regulation makers with a specific focus on implementation of next generation fuels and future fuel technologies.

Topic: "Advanced & Future Fuels in Motorsport"

History of fuels and different types of racing.

Energy density potential of fuels.

Manufacturing fuels, the source and refining process differences between fuels.

Testing technology and tools - octane, energy density, etc.

Future of fuels, what's coming and what's going.

Lead vs unleaded, new fuels.

Max Legod - HyperMax

Topic: "Building, Tuning and Racing Diesel Engines"

What advantages does diesel have, and what engine designs and modifications make more power? Legod will also cover topics such as superchargers, turbos, nitrous, propane, water/methanol injection and power adders for diesel engines.

What are diesel engine building requirements, and how do they differ from gas? Legod will take you through drivetrain and transmission considerations, tuning, injection timing, EGT, boost and intercooling, throttleless air-fuel ratio, exhaust throttling, mileage impact, smoke, and more.

To view the entire speaker lineup, current schedule and signup, go to www.aetconline.com or call 866-893-2382.

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Coretalk: PROFormance Acquires Automotive Remanufacturers de México

PROFormance Acquires Automotive Remanufacturers de México PROFormance Technologies, LLC has acquired a controlling interest in Automotive Remanufacturers de México S. de R.L. de C.V., a leading automotive parts remanufacturer located in Aguascalientes, México.

News In Brief

PROFormance Acquires Automotive Remanufacturers de México
PROFormance Technologies, LLC has acquired a controlling interest in Automotive Remanufacturers de México S. de R.L. de C.V., a leading automotive parts remanufacturer located in Aguascalientes, México.