Stephen Bivens, owner of Hot Rides LLC, has carved out a niche in the auto accessories industry with his Ewing store.
With services ranging from window tinting to installing headrest video screens, Hot Rides customizes cars to meet each of their customers’ desires.
“Where the factory stops is where we start,” Bivens said. “When you see a car on the street and think, ‘That looks cool,’ it’s had some work done to it.”
Despite the difficult economy last year, 2010 was Hot Rides’ biggest year, pulling in customers from different areas of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Bivens, who has been in the auto business for 26 years, attributes their success to their products and customer service.
“We have one of the largest inventories around,” he said. “We dropped the prices on everything, but we didn’t cut down the service.”
With high end brands such as Alpine and JL Audio, Bivens is aggressive in getting lower prices from his suppliers so his customers can get a better deal. Hot Rides also installs all of their products, setting them apart from other accessory stores.
Hot Rides provides consultations for customers who are unsure how to spruce up their cars.
“People bring in their cars and ask us what they think of an idea and we discuss what we can change about the car together. I want to make sure the customer gets what they want in the end, not what we tried to sell you,” Bivens said.
As cars have gotten more complex over the years, the technicians at Hot Rides stay on top of the trends and get certified to deal with every kind of car.
With the holiday season approaching, Hot Rides can provide a special gift for car lovers. Auto starts are the number one present that Hot Rides has sold, but truck lifts and radios have also been purchased.
No matter what is bought at the store, Bivens says his team installs and warranties every item.
“If something happens, you call us up and we take care of it. Period,” he says.
His devotion to keeping prices low and customers happy have earned him loyal customers, some dating back from 20 years of service.
Check out Hot Rides for a holiday gift or to talk to a qualified technician about updating your car. Hot Rides is also a Toys for Tots drop off location and gives 20 percent off to those who donate.
Hot Rides is located at 1462 Prospect Street in Ewing. Call (609) 530-1404 for more information.
