Two of the three generations of Sam T Evans Trucks Tops & Accessories Shop: (from left) Val and Sheri [Evans] Clark, Sam T Evans Jr. and Eric Evans.

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SUVs seem to top the list of vehicles that owners want upgraded seating, but anyone could be a candidate: Drivers of minivans, sedans and classics are also often interested. It’s not just the luxury feel that sells drivers on leather; the ease of cleanup and the increased resale value are big draws, too.

Replacing worn factory leather interiors on older models is also an option for trimmers who want to capitalize on leather installation. In many cases, aftermarket leather kits are far less expensive than OEM replacements, and are easily customizable—which makes your customers happy.

Aide from being responsible for detailing the 1957 Plymouth Fury named Christine—made famous in the Stephen King scripted movie of the same name—”two things to know about Royal Detail Inc. in Pensacola, Fla., are that the McCarra family never wanted their business to be considered a simple car wash shop, and they started from scratch with nothing but a vision, enthusiasm and a lot of hard work.

“We didn’t want Royal Detail to be a car wash,” says president and CEO Marsha McCarra. “Once upon a time my husband, Dennis, and I were semi-retired and comfortable.”

Then she laughs.

Looking back at the beginning of ValleyTruck Outfitters Ltd., one would hardly recognize it as the same enterprise that exists today.

Prior to launching the company in Poland, Ohio, partners Alan Smith worked in the automotive conversion industry and Scott Mason owned a business distributing automotive detailing chemicals and supplies—which is how the two initially met.

The first U.S.-built Kia vehicle, a white 2011 MY Sorento CUV, rolled off the production line on Nov. 17 at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), in West Point, Ga., officially opening the first U.S. Kia Motors plant.

KMMG is expected to produce 300,000 vehicles at full capacity and employ 2,500 people, with onsite and nearby suppliers creating 7,500 additional jobs in the region. KMMG continues Kia Motors' aggressive investment in the U.S. market. Since 2002, more than $1.3 billion has been invested in various facilities throughout the country, including a dedicated corporate campus and design center in Irvine, Calif., a state-of-the-art research and development center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and custom-built vehicle proving grounds in Mojave, Calif.