The Automotive Forum

Holley Performance Brands announced an expansion of its automotive chemicals portfolio with three new products: NOS Octane Booster, Holley Carburetor Cleaner and Baer Spray Brake Cleaner. Holley said the new product lineup will deliver solutions for automotive enthusiasts and racers seeking improved power output, superior cleaning and enhanced system efficiency. The announcement follows the news of Holley’s new agreement to be the exclusive developer and distributor of Cataclean products in North America. “The expansion of our chemicals portfolio reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-performance solutions that our customers trust,” said Matthew Stevenson, president & CEO, Holley Performance Brands. “By leveraging our iconic brands in this market, we are equipping drivers with the tools to enhance their vehicles’ performance, safety and reliability and strengthening our role as a global leader in the automotive aftermarket.” Boosting Power and Cleaning with Confidence link hidden, please login to view said the Octane Booster from NOS is designed to raise octane levels of fuel by up to five numbers for high-compression sport and race engines. The company added that it delivers improved horsepower, reduces NOX emissions and promotes better engine knock protection. The sensor-safe, made in the USA formulation fills a critical role of preventing pre-ignition and damage and its significant octane-boosting capabilities make it exclusive for off-road, race-only enthusiasts looking for maximum power, Holley said. The company also said the Holley Carburetor Cleaner is formulated to be tough on deposits and carbon buildup while remaining safe for sensors, plastics and metal components. Engineered for carburetors and throttle bodies, its versatility extends to a variety of engine types to restore responsiveness and ensure smoother operation. Made in the USA, this professional-grade product is designed for both performance enthusiasts and everyday drivers, the company said. link hidden, please login to view added that the Baer Spray Brake Cleaner is designed to optimize brake system performance. Made in the USA, Baer Spray’s low-VOC formula removes machining oils, factory coatings, dirt and grease, ensuring a proper break-in for new pads and rotors. Baer Spray helps reduce brake noise, enhance brake bite and improve overall braking efficiency – making it an essential tool for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts. Holley said the NOS Octane Booster and Baer Spray Brake Cleaner are now available, while the Holley Carburetor Cleaner is available for pre-order. The post link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view. link hidden, please login to view

Why you should empty the master cylinder before bleeding brakes

The APA/Trustar 2025 Annual Meeting, held March 21-24 in New Orleans at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, was a success on many levels, from recognizing supplier and shareholder achievements to forging and renewing business partnerships. Automotive Parts Associates said it prides itself on prioritizing in-person connection opportunities for members, suppliers and shareholders, with this event being an ideal forum for networking. Guests heard from leaders across the industry, including Ted Hughes with the Auto Care Association and Simeon Gutman with Morgan Stanley. Group sessions on topics ranging from electric vehicles to cybersecurity were offered, as well as the opportunity for one-on-one meetings between members, shareholders and suppliers. “The business is still people to people, and I think get-togethers like this prove that even more. A lot of business was written, a lot of friendships renewed, and a lot of business relationships renewed, so we had a lot of fun,” said link hidden, please login to view link hidden, please login to view President Steve Tucker. “We did a lot of business and it was good to see everybody get together. We had a little over 300 people total in attendance and multiple countries [represented], including Germany, Switzerland, the United States and Canada.” The long weekend was capped off by a special awards banquet hosted at the WWII Museum. Attendees wined and dined under restored war planes and got a chance to view one of the exhibits. After dinner, an awards ceremony was held to honor those making significant achievements in the past year. DENSO came home with the coveted “APA Supplier of the Year” Award, saying it’s through hard work and good partnerships through link hidden, please login to view that they are able to accomplish everything over the past 365 days. “It just shows that everybody’s efforts are recognized from my sales guys to the people in the warehouse, to all the key functional departments in our business. It’s a team effort, and to be recognized from this group is super important,” Jose Ramirez, senior manager of light-duty and heavy-duty aftermarket sales for DENSO, said. “For us, it’s a big deal, but I think it’s something for all of us to be proud of as a company. Not just the sales guys, but everybody.” “We value our suppliers, we value our shareholders and members. We are able to get to come together and promote the industry and promote the business as one,” Tucker said. All of the award winners from this year’s gala, as well as additional images, are showcased below. 2025 Supplier Awards APA Supplier of the Year Award – DENSO Distinguished OE Partner Award – Hitachi Outstanding Marketing Partner Award – Bosch Cornerstone Award – Standard Motor Products Ambassador Award – Wheeler Fleet Solutions Technology Award – Pricedex Phoenix Award – Holstein Parts APA Supplier Champion Award – David Arriaga APA Shooting Star Award – Judy Sanell 2025 Shareholder Awards Dan Freeman Excellence Award – Singh Auto Parts Milestone Awards – 80 Years APA Shareholder AB&S Warehouse Factory Motor Parts Milestone Awards – 30 Years APA Shareholder Royal Auto Parts Schulz Motor Parts Wheeler Fleet Solutions Tinker Auto Parts Milestone Awards – 10 Years APA Shareholder Ideal Auto Parts Inc. Victory Imported Parts New Shareholder Bob’s Speed & Auto Parts Hamilton Discount Auto Parts New TruStar Members Parts Universe Technology Auto Parts Axon US The post link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view. link hidden, please login to view

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Advance Auto Parts announced it has completed the store closure phase of its transformation plan and is entering its next phase of returning to growth. The company said optimization of the retail footprint was key to Advance’s broader transformation plan to reposition the company for long-term success. Now, more than 75% of the company’s stores are in markets where the company has the No. 1 or No. 2 position based on store density, strengthening its presence in strategic communities.  With that phase complete, Advance said it now expects to open 30 new locations in the United States in 2025 and at least an additional 100 new locations through 2027, including larger “market hubs.”  Since the beginning of this year, link hidden, please login to view has opened six new stores in Florida, New Jersey, Tennessee and Virginia. Over the next several months, the company said it expects to open additional stores to serve customers across communities in Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin.  Advance added it is also continuing the expansion of market hubs with new openings soon in the Midwest. These larger stores will increase availability of parts by placing approximately 75,000 to 85,000 SKUs closer to customers and other local Advance stores, as well as improve Advance’s speed of service with same-day delivery of parts. By comparison, typical Advance stores carry between 20,000 to 25,000 SKUs.  “Advance Auto Parts is on the path to accelerate store growth and focused on the fundamentals of selling auto parts,” said link hidden, please login to view. “We are excited about what’s to come for Advance. Our team members are committed to providing the right parts and the right service for our PRO and DIY customers in their communities.”  In addition to new store openings, Advance said it is creating a better customer experience. The company’s previously announced incremental capital expenditure plan includes additional investments in existing stores related to IT infrastructure, equipment, store repairs, and improved inventory and delivery. The company said it is also providing additional training to team members to enhance customer experience.  The post link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view. link hidden, please login to view