Drake Automotive Group: A Trusted Name for 30 Years

Manufacturers are challenged to remain relevant in our dynamic industry, and that’s an understatement. Drake Automotive Group is a trusted name with thousands of quality parts for consumer restoration projects and beyond. “What separates Drake Automotive Group from other companies is our commitment to innovation. We work hard to create new products and stay on the cutting edge of the latest trends. Also, we employ a full in-house engineering team and incorporate CAD designs, as well as 3D printing, into our prototype process. So this allows us to go from a concept to a physical prototype in just a few hours,” said Stephen Richards, Account Manager at Drake Automotive Group.

Three Decades of Success

The team at Drake Automotive Group knows a thing or two about building a strong business model. After all, they’ve been producing quality aftermarket parts for over 30 years. That’s three decades of satisfied customers purchasing dependable parts from an established, reliable name. “Commitment to quality is the number one priority for Drake Automotive Group. Every part we manufacture is painstakingly designed, engineered and tested to ensure the best fit, durability and quality,” said Joe Johnston, Director of Sales at Drake Automotive Group.

Among its many achievements, Drake Automotive Group has earned the most recognized name in the vintage Mustang restoration market. “Actually, the biggest part of our overall business is vehicle restoration parts. We are the largest supplier of restoration parts for classic Mustangs in the world. You can basically build a 1965 Mustang by walking through our building,” said Johnston. “Using the experience gained in the vintage Mustang market, Drake Automotive Group now offers innovative and unique parts for late model Mustangs, Challengers, Camaros, Jeeps® and vintage Broncos,” he added.

Exploring New Markets

Drake Automotive Group dipped its toes in the off-road market with a line of Jeep® products approximately 10 years ago. Today those parts consist of mainly cosmetic accessory items for the interior, exterior and under the hood. “Items range from our very popular Hood Hold Downs and Rocklaw Hood Latches to interior items such as billet shift knobs and fire extinguisher mounts. Under the hood items are a line of billet engine caps,” added Johnston.

New Branding Approach

The team developed a distinct branding system to best serve its eclectic group of customers. Although, Drake admits it can be a little confusing to newcomers. “In the off-road world we are known as Drake Off Road. But in the classic Mustang world we are known as Scott Drake and in the late model world (Mustang, Challenger and Camaro) we are known as Drake Muscle Car. Those products range from engine caps, aluminum strut tower braces and hood lift systems to hood vent systems, pedal covers, shift knobs and exterior trim pieces.

Each of these brands cater in a different way to each individual customer base,” added Johnston. As for 2017? “We’re working diligently on new products for the Drake Off Road line and gearing up for the release of the New 2018 Wrangler. For our Drake Muscle line, we keep pushing out new products for the late-model Mustang and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 2018 Ford Mustang, which is getting a nice cosmetic update,” said Richards.

Industry Partnerships

But great products are little without a great distribution plan. “The Keystone Automotive Operations partnership has been amazing for Drake Automotive because of the network that is in place. Now we’re able to touch many more customers than we ever thought possible,” continued Richards. And that means you, the consumer, have easier access to what you need when you need it most!

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