10/28/2026
Today marks a sad and unfortunate day for the air-cooled VW community.
Thank you, CB Performance, for decades of quality parts, innovation, and support that have kept so many Beetles, Buses, and more on the road (and at the track).
You’ve been a cornerstone for enthusiasts everywhere.
As they say, the times are changing. 😥
To our CB Performance family and the VW community:
After 67 remarkable years, our family has made the heartfelt decision to retire and begin winding down CB Performance.
This is the beginning of a transition, rather than an immediate closing. We will be winding down the business over time. While we do not yet have a final closing date to share, we will provide updates as plans take shape.
As we move forward, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on where it all started—in our grandfather Claude Tomlinson’s garage, right here in the small town of Farmersville, California. From those humble beginnings, on the very same property where CB Performance stands today, our family business grew to reach builders, racers, and enthusiasts around the world.
Our parents, Bob and Rita Tomlinson, carried that dream forward. Our father guided the company’s growth and innovation, while our mother played an important role behind the scenes, managing the office and administrative operations during many of those early years. Their dedication, work ethic, and values helped shape CB Performance into an industry leader. As the third generation of our family to lead the company, we were honored to continue their work, preserving the quality, innovation, and personal relationships that defined CB Performance from the beginning.
Our family’s mission was always simple: build high-quality parts we were proud of and treat every customer like family. Over time, that mission grew into something far greater than we could have imagined—a community of builders, racers, innovators, and lifelong friends who shared our passion for the VW world.
But this legacy wasn’t built by parts alone. It was built by the incredible employees who brought dedication, pride, and heart to their work every day. Many spent years, even decades, working alongside us. Their craftsmanship, loyalty, and commitment helped make CB Performance a name trusted around the world. To our employees, past and present, we offer our deepest gratitude. You have always been part of our family, and we could not have accomplished what we did without you.
To our customers, friends, and the entire VW community, thank you for the trust, loyalty, and support you’ve shown our family throughout the years. You welcomed us into your garages, your race pits, your adventures, and your memories. Together, we built something special through hard work, innovation, lasting friendships, and a shared love for the VW world.
We are equally grateful to the suppliers, vendors, and industry partners whose expertise, support, and lasting relationships contributed so much to our success.
As we begin this transition, we do so with full hearts, proud of what our family, employees, and customers have accomplished together. Although CB Performance will eventually close its doors, the legacy we built together will live on in the VW community for years to come.
We know this news may bring questions. You are welcome to reach out to us directly at our personal email addresses below. We may not have every answer yet, but we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this transition.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Rick Tomlinson & Susie Canvasser
Rick: [email protected]
Susie: [email protected]
