Pimp your ride with Cleveland-based auto restyler

If you have cable television you've probably seen the title "Pimp My Ride" and thought 'what the hell?' Or maybe you watch it.

Apparently since our car manufacturers started producing (well, at least in name) aerodynamic designs that supposedly honor gas conservation aims (we don't know where all this SUV stuff comes in), the burden of satisfying consumers' desires for chrome and custom fittings and other fancy stuff is shifting away from the auto makers to the aftermarket.

Enter Roman Chariot. Founded here in Cleveland in 1961, it's just been purchased by Gorilla Group member Howard Brougton, a former NASA engineer, and is poised to take a ride on the popularity of the "Pimp" show. Congratulations, Howard. Go for it.