MTV and West Coast
Customs have amicably split, ending a relationship that helped create “Pimp
My Ride,” one of the most successful television shows for music television
network.
MTV has confirmed that the network and West Coast Customs have
split amicably over owner Ryan Friedlinghause’s concerns about his company’s
image.
The new show will air on The Discovery Channel and is being
developed with the producers of “American Chopper” and “American
Hot Rod.”
The untitled show will focus on private jets, helicopters, tour
buses and other high-end vehicles.
"We’ve had a great experience with Ryan," said MTV
spokesman David French. "Everyone in that garage is very talented and we
wish them all the best."
Discovery Channel representatives confirmed the new project.
West Coast Customs’ new headquarters will be based in
a 21,000 square foot corporate-style building/warehouse in an industrial park
in Corona, which has a thriving auto industry.
“Pimp My Ride,” hosted by rapper Xzibit, debuted
in March 2004 and quickly became one of MTV’s most watched shows.
The 30-minute series featured West Coast Customs taking worthless
cars and tricking them out to the tune of $20,000.
A version of the
show debuted in the U.K. earlier this year.
