Some nice pics of our friends over at Auto Fashion in San Diego.

Visit them. They’re good peeps with genuine integrity. Photos courtesy of Daniel Irawan of www.picturesniper.com.

Quality streetwear boutiques usually have a design concept making it an enjoyable visit. It adds to the consumer experience. More shops within our industry should adopt a similar mindset. I’ve recently visited a number of shops in Southern California. 2 of my favorites would probably be Status and Auto Fashion. Aesthetically appealing. A showroom should always look nice. Quality products in a quality setting. I know of a few shops that are beginning to takes steps in setting themselves apart from the rest. Anyhow, Freddie from A/F sent me this. Very VIP.

I’m pleased that the Endless USA website has relaunched. It mirrors Endless Japan’s official website. For the serious enthusiasts, please peruse the site. On another note, we’ve recently printed a small quantity of 26″ x 39″ posters. If you’d like one, please e-mail jin[at]brand-endless.com on how to obtain one.

Thanks to everyone that requested the Option Article. If you asked for a copy, but didn’t receive one, my apologies. It’s either because the file was too large and bounced back or it simply slipped through the cracks. If you didn’t receive your copy or still want one, feel free to send another request. I found this on my desk..

Awhile ago, Mark was kind enough to create a new version of our logo for us freehand (left-handed if I’m not mistaken) to help differentiate between the Sports and Luxury lines of AME. We’re finally getting a chance to put it to good use and I believe we’re considering including these new original wheel decals within the TM-02 sets along with our standard decals. Jay Bryan (JDM EGO) has also been kind enough in giving us advice and input as well as suggesting certain colorways. Here’s a sample of what it may look like (minus the colors). I really like this alternative logo version and Japan also seems interested in incorporating it into their program as well.

Months and months of planning will soon reach fruition in early 2008. Our first sample set for the S15 just arrived. Here’s a sneak peak.

What’s interesting is that Japanese branded wheels (and other Japanese products) were marketed primarily for the Japanese Domestic Market with overseas markets being considered secondary. As the economy weakened in Japan, U.S. became the focus as the first targeted market outside of the motherland. Since the markets and business cultures are quite different, Japanese companies went about this in various methods slowly, but surely showing their true colors.

Some companies waited to pull the rug out from underneath their U.S. liaison as soon as sufficient brand recognition was established (usually by their U.S. liaison) before cutting out the middleman (their U.S. liaison) and setting up shop themselves. Other companies compromised quality, but cashed in quickly adapting to the marketplace combining their brand mystique with U.S. adapted, affordable pricing (which usually meant branded as Japanese, but made elsewhere and of less quality). And even other companies had the right intention, but due to misfortune, didn’t meet the right people and simply faltered. And finally, a handful of companies realized that trust, relationships and long-term growth were the key and slowly went about their way. Then of course, there is the Volk Racing TE37 phenomenon which is in a class all its own. Uncompromised quality, exceptional design, great marketing, impeccable timing and a bit of luck created a certain magic..coupled with a price point that screams, “You play by our rules. Take it or leave it.”. The TE is a timeless wheel. The market is very saturated and confused right now so I don’t see another TE37 phenomenon occurring for a long time, if ever, in the United States or anywhere else. But enough about the TE37. After quite a bit of ranting and raving, Kyoho has decided to take our advice on design (and we’re grateful) as well as an unexpected yet interesting chance by debuting the TM-02 overseas prior to Japan. More information (on the TM-02) to come soon..

Believe it or not, Craftsquare didn’t produce mirrors for the EVO 9. However, they were kind enough to begin production for North America upon our request.

Here’s the first and only sample set that just arrived today. Comes standard in black. I just hope they begin producing these for the X, STi and GTR soon. Let the copying begin!

Tom from Eneos E-mailed me after reading about how much I admired their model from PRI. Turns out their model was none other than Miss Tianna Ta.

Announced yesterday, Fernando Alonso returns to the team that brought him 2 world championships. I’ll be wearing Renault colors next year.

Days after KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas, Cheryl and I are still obsessing over how godly Muse’s performance was. These videos don’t do it justice at all because there’s simply nothing like watching Muse perform live. Something Mr. Alex Chang will most certainly attest to as well.

Can’t say too much because of confidentiality agreements and out of the simple fact that I don’t wanna jinx anything.. but as of late I’ve been working with a certain Grand-Am team. This is where our Super Taikyu experience comes in handy. Hopefully it all pans out. Some cool pit action in the vid.

Justin’s been hyping her up for a while now, but after meeting Kay in person this past weekend at D1..
Yeah… Just look at those stems!

And look how giddy Logan is.

Photo creds to Scott, Mr. Garpot Studio.

Not much excites me these days. Not even exotics. I live in Irvine where seeing either the bull or the horse is just another day of the week. But this morning on my way to work, I literally screamed as I stared at this exact view, right in front of me on the 405.

I saw the front end in my side mirror as it crept up beside me and I knew right away, Black edition. I got behind it and yelped as I experienced a moment of pure awe. I didn’t blink as I watched the driver switch into the carpool lane, put his foot down, and swiftly disappear with the sound of the AMG V8 roaring behind him.

What a way to start your morning. Gotta be a real Mercedes or F1 fan to appreciate this machine. I happen to be both (screw Hamilton).