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Automotive Parts Associates (APA) announced it recently wrapped up an action-packed weekend in Las Vegas, where winners of the Vegas Adrenaline Adventure Weekend promotion “experienced high-octane thrills and unforgettable moments.” From Feb. 28 to March 2, 10 winners and their guests enjoyed an all-expense-paid trip featuring off-road driving, machine gun shooting, Topgolf, plus $500! APA said the winners also got to enjoy a Friday night dinner sponsored by FCS. “A special shoutout to FCS for sponsoring a fantastic Friday night dinner, adding to the excitement of the weekend,” APA said. The promotion, which was open to APA shareholders’ and TruStar members’ customers from September 15 through October 31, awarded entries for every $200 purchased from sponsoring suppliers. In addition to the grand prize trip, 10 second-place winners received a $250 gift card and salespeople earned a $100 gift card for each winner. Following are quotes from participants sharing their appreciation for the experience: “Thank you very much for the great and memorable trip and your kind hospitality. We do appreciate it. I was glad to meet a lot of shop owners and great people and also exchange great information. We had a great time.” “Both of my sons thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thanks for putting that together. It was a trip they may never take again together!” “Gail and I would like to say thank you to APA for a great weekend away, we really enjoyed ourselves!” “It was an unforgettable weekend,” said Jan Larson, director of marketing for APA. “What started as a group of strangers on Friday quickly turned into a close-knit group by Sunday, exchanging contact information and sharing stories like lifelong friends. I always encourage our shareholders and TruStar members to take advantage of these promotions. Participation is easy and can have a meaningful impact on employee morale. These events drive engagement, boost sales, and create lasting memories—don’t let your customers miss out on these incredible opportunities!” APA said it hosts two promotions annually, one in spring and one in fall. Up next is the 2025 Tanks For The Memories Sweepstakes, where ten winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to drive real tanks at Drive A Tank in Kasota, MN. The post APA Returns from Vegas Adrenaline Adventure Weekend Promo appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In celebration of International Women’s Day this Saturday, March 8, NAPA will be giving away 1,000 free copies of “The Car That She Built”, a children’s book that pays tribute to the women who have paved the way for the next generation of innovators and leaders in automotive technology. “Our collaboration with TechForce and the She Built Foundation underscores a shared mission to inspire and empower young girls, encouraging them to envision and pursue exciting careers in skilled trades,” said Cassie Bell, chief people officer at NAPA. “By showcasing the achievements and potential of women in the automotive industry, we aim to break down barriers and open garage doors for future generations.” Readers can sign up for their free copy HERE. The campaign will launch on Friday, March 7, and run through the end of Women’s History Month (March). The post NAPA Celebrates International Women’s Day with Children’s Book Giveaway appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) is calling for session proposals at Joe’s Garage. Selected sessions will be presented live and in-person at AAPEX 2025 at the Venetian Expo & Caesars Forum in Las Vegas from November 4-6, 2025. Among the selection criteria are the following: ● Relevance to the independent repair community; ● Quality of the proposed session; ● Achievable learning outcomes; ● Presenter or trainer qualifications; and ● Relevance to attendees’ day-to-day work or career. Session proposals that are promotional or sale-sy in nature will not be selected. Questions about session proposals should be directed to [email protected]. Applicants may submit multiple proposals for consideration and be selected for up to six different possible sessions. Each successfully selected session will be awarded an honorarium of $500 per session, hotel accommodation – plus a $750 stipend toward meals, transportation or other related incidentals. Please review the session proposal submission requirements carefully for terms and conditions. AAPEX is one of the fastest-growing conferences and exhibitions in the world. Collectively, the Expo brings together aftermarket buyers and sellers from across the $2.3 trillion-dollar automotive aftermarket industry. Last year, the event attracted more than 47,000 attendees from roughly 130 countries, nearly 2,700 exhibitors from 46 countries, and 1,300 reporters, influencers and other registered media representatives. The post AAPEX Calls for 2025 Training Session Proposals appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Frenkit, a European brake hardware supplier, is expanding coverage for the North American aftermarket. Featuring proprietary rubber components manufactured at its facilities in Spain and India, the company said it now offers U.S. customers nearly 4,500 different brake hardware kits, covering 95% of U.S. aftermarket sales. Frenkit said its program includes hardware kits for both disc and drum brakes, caliper pistons, brake caliper repair kits, electronic parking brake kits and more. The company said its portfolio is comprised of more than 12,000 different components covering 50,000 parts cross-referenced to OE. Frenkit added that its catalog is fully ACES and PIES compliant and FMSI-indexed. The post Frenkit Adds Nearly 1,000 Kits, Now Covering 95% of U.S. Sales appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Motorcar Parts of America (MPA) announced the company has expanded its product coverage programs for starters and alternators, brake calipers, brake pads and brake rotors, with more than 120 new part numbers covering an additional 30 million vehicles in operation. The new part numbers are offered through QB, Quality-Built, Quality-Built Black Series and Pure Energy brands powered by MPA, which serve the professional installer market. A select list of late model part number introductions is available via the link below. A complete list is available by contacting a Motorcar Parts of America sales representative. “Our Quality-Built and Pure Energy products continue to gain traction in the professional market and the new part number introductions highlight our ongoing commitment to proactively develop, catalog, and distribute products to meet the demand,” said Jamie Cook, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Motorcar Parts of America. Q3 MPA New Part Number Introductions The post MPA Expands Rotating Electrical & Brake-Related Coverage appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Transtar Aftermarket Solutions, a division of NexaMotion Group (NMG), announced it is adding new general repair parts commonly used by transmission repair shops in over 50 locations. With the addition, these general repair parts will now be available at the majority of Transtar’s 70 locations, simplifying complex vehicle repair by enabling repair shops to find the parts they need in one location, the company said. The aftermarket brands with which Transtar is partnering as part of the expansion, and their respective repair parts, include: • Denso – ignition coils, oxygen sensors, spark plugs • ProMax – Brake pads, rotors, chassis, control arms • Sunsong® – Brake hoses • GSP® – CV axles, hub assemblies • DFC – Brake pads, rotors, calipers “The addition of general repair parts at a significant number of our locations is an exciting enhancement and one that is a part of Transtar’s overall commitment to becoming a one-stop solution for our customers,” said Tom DeMille, executive vice president, sales and marketing. “We’re committed to supporting shops in all types of repairs. Whether that’s a general automotive repair or more complex transmission repair, Transtar has the parts needed to keep the world moving.” For a complete listing of Transtar locations and products, visit www.Transend.us. The post Transtar Adds General Repair Parts in Over 50 Locations Across N. America appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Meineke Dealers Purchasing Cooperative Inc. (MDPCI) announced Advance Professional as the winner of the 2024 Vendor of the Year Award. Advance has been a member of the Meineke Dealers Purchasing Co-op (MDPCI) for many years. Over the past few years, the program has grown at unprecedented rates, MDPCI said. The MDPCI Vendor of the Year is determined based on several factors, with one being survey results from the Meineke dealer group. In addition to non-subjective categories that are measured, the dealer survey is based on criteria ranging from the cost and quality of parts and services, to vendor support, to the overall ease of working with the vendor. Selection for this award is a testament to the commitment Advance has made to the MDPCI program and Meineke Dealers throughout the US and Canada, according to MDPCI. Ron Soto, executive director of the MDPCI, said, “The growth of our program with Advance and their support of our efforts has been tremendous over the past year. It is a testament to the true partnership they have provided our dealers and the delivery of the commitment they made to the MDPCI to help increase profitability of the Meineke Service Centers nationwide. Advance has developed an exceptional program working with the MDPCI as partners and helped Meineke dealers across the country. We look forward to continued growth in 2025 and beyond.” Upon receiving the award, Pete Masini, Advance director of strategic accounts, said, “On behalf of the entire Advance/Carquest Professional team that supports Meineke Dealers every single day, I’d like to express how honored we are to be named ‘Vendor of the Year’ for Meineke Dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada in 2024. Moments like this do not typically happen by accident, and it takes an effort on both sides to build partnerships like the ones we have with our Meineke partners. Our relationship has been a journey to reach this point, and every day, more and more Meineke dealers are giving Advance Professional the opportunity to earn their business. Thank you for your support. Our promise is to continue our passion for providing you with industry-leading service that you can rely on, quality parts, solutions to support your business growth, and a partnership to last for many years to come.” The post Advance Professional Named 2024 Meineke Vendor of the Year appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Auto-Wares shared details of its Customer Cruise, Feb. 15-22, 2025. The Norwegian Bilss set sail from Miami and made stops in Mexico, Belize and the Bay Islands. Guests included customers, industry partners and friends. Auto-Wares described the cruise as more than just a vacation, calling the trip an opportunity to strengthen relationships and share ideas in a relaxed setting. A news release from Auto-Wares explained that for most of the trip, the weather was warm, sunny and ideal for cruising. Guests enjoyed blue skies and calm seas while relaxing on deck, exploring ports and soaking in the Caribbean views. By the final day, the weather took a turn, bringing some clouds and rougher seas. Despite that, Auto-Wares said everyone made the most of their last full day onboard, whether enjoying the ship’s indoor amenities, grabbing one last cocktail, or reminiscing. Click here for pictures and more information about the cruise. The post Auto-Wares Customer Cruise Sails Through Caribbean appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Anchor Industries announced the release of additional late model Hyundai and Kia coverage in February. Eight new part numbers are in stock and available for immediate delivery, the company said. Covering over 2,200,000 applications and model years 2020-2025, these part numbers represent “excellent sales opportunities,” according to Anchor. All application data is available electronically on anchor-online.com, Epicor and WHI Solutions. For more details on Anchor’s complete program availability, contact your local sales representative or call Anchor’s customer service department direct at 1-888-444-4616. The post Anchor Industries Adds Hyundai and Kia Coverage appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

line announced details of its sixth annual Mechanics Month initiative. Beginning Monday, March 3, the annual campaign celebrates what Valvoline called the often-unsung heroes of the mobility industry and beyond: the mechanics who keep the world moving forward. According to Valvoline, this year’s theme, “The Future is in Your Hands,” shines a spotlight on mechanics across the globe, highlighting their expertise, skill and heart for the critical work they do each day. From independent workshops to dealerships, construction sites to fleets, mechanics solve problems that others can’t. Yet, fixing machinery is only part of the job; mechanics serve as educators and partners to their customers, offering peace of mind when it matters most, Valvoline said. “Valvoline Global is proud to honor the important contributions of mechanics worldwide,” said Jamal Muashsher, chief executive officer of Valvoline Global. “Mechanics Month is about recognizing the mechanics in our local communities who not only maintain the present – but also shape the future – by keeping people around the world moving forward.” Global Recognition of Local Mechanics As part of Mechanics Month, Valvoline Global teams in over 60 countries will celebrate local mechanics, working with community members to acknowledge their service. Notable celebrations spanning multiple regions include: Providing over 100 toolboxes, including safety gear and Valvoline-branded merchandise, to mechanics at workshops throughout Thailand. Hosting thank you dinners featuring games, prizes and live entertainment for mechanics and their families throughout Southeast Asia. Teaming up with Hendrick Motorsports for surprise deliveries of Valvoline Mechanics Month packages to hardworking team mechanics in the U.S. Working with select distributor and school partners to offer dozens of scholarships across Mexico and El Salvador. Offering brand and product training to over 200 mechanics and various scholarship programs and initiatives throughout China. The company will also feature mechanics in global web and social media spotlights during the month of March. Grand Prix Meets Gratitude As the Official Lubricant Partner of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® (AMAF1) Team, Valvoline Global will further collaborate with its AMAF1 partner to highlight the importance of continuously building a pipeline of talented mechanics. For the second year in a row, AMAF1 will participate in Valvoline Global’s Aspiring Mechanics Program as they invite students from Milton Keynes College (United Kingdom) to learn from F1 mechanics. The Valvoline Global Aspiring Mechanics Program, established in 2024, is focused on educating and supporting future mechanics as they grow their skills. Through this program, the company aims to play a direct role in minimizing the growing shortage of mechanics globally, while raising awareness of the importance of the trade, Valvoline said. Join the Celebration You can learn more about Valvoline’s celebration of mechanics by visiting https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/mechanics-month/ and by following Valvoline Global’s social channels. The post Valvoline Celebrates Mechanics in Annual Appreciation Initiative appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Schaeffler Group announced it has once again been awarded an “A” rating in the climate change category for its commitment to sustainability in fiscal 2024 by CDP, the global non-profit environmental organization. In the water security category, Schaeffler received an “A-”, the same score as in the previous year. CDP, which was founded 25 years ago, manages the world’s largest environmental database. Once a year, it collects data and information from companies worldwide on their greenhouse gas emissions, climate risk profiles, and corporate reduction targets and strategies. “The renewed award with the grade ‘A’ in the area of climate change is a recognition of our commitment to sustainability,” explained Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG. “At the same time, we are aware that there is still a lot of work ahead of us to achieve our ambitious sustainability goals. Even after the merger with Vitesco Technologies, we will continue to consistently drive forward the sustainable development of the company. Sustainability remains an important prerequisite for becoming the leading motion technology company.” The CDP rating is regarded worldwide as an important reference for a company’s environmental transparency, Schaeffler said. CDP scores are often used in investment and procurement decisions with a view to achieving a climate-friendly, sustainable and resilient economy. CDP uses a detailed, independent scoring methodology to assess companies and awards scores from “A” to “D-”. The post Schaeffler Gets CDP ‘A’ Grade in Climate Change Category appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Congressman Neal Dunn (Fla-02) introduced the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act or the “REPAIR Act,” a bill that would ensure vehicle owners have access to important repair and diagnostic data needed for auto repairs, on February 25, 2025. Currently, automakers are restricting vehicle owners and automotive repair shops from accessing repair data and tools, resulting in higher repair costs, fewer service options and longer wait times for vehicle maintenance. The REPAIR Act would affirm that this data belongs to the vehicle’s owner, not the manufacturer. “American consumers deserve full control over their vehicle repair and maintenance data to ensure they can find the best service for their vehicle at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, vehicle manufacturers are standing in the way of American consumers accessing their own data to use the repair shop of their choosing, limiting consumer choice,” said Congressman Dunn. “For far too long, manufacturers have championed anti-competitive practices by withholding crucial maintenance information, squeezing their customers and independent repair shops. “Your vehicle belongs to you, not the manufacturer. I am introducing the REPAIR Act to provide a binding, workable solution to anti-competitive behavior in the auto repair industry to reaffirm consumer control over their vehicle maintenance data and empower them to work with repair shops big and small.” “Americans are tired of lip service about lowering prices or respecting the trades. We want to be able to fix our own stuff and to be stewards of our stuff and not reliant on a stream of cheap disposable crap. But auto manufacturers have made it increasingly difficult to have real agency,” said Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. “It’s time for Congress to listen to ordinary Americans and pass right to repair legislation.” “We sincerely thank Dr. Dunn for his leadership in tackling this existential threat to consumers and standing up for the rights of vehicle owners and vital businesses,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “The REPAIR Act gained significant support and momentum in the previous Congress, demonstrating the broad, bipartisan recognition of the need to protect consumers’ right to repair their vehicles. Lawmakers, industry leaders, and everyday drivers understand that fair access to vehicle repair data is essential for competition, affordability, and consumer choice. With its reintroduction, we have an even greater opportunity to get this critical legislation across the finish line.” “Americans want a car repair market that guarantees choice and protects accessible, affordable, and safe vehicle repairs,” said Justin Rzepka, executive director of the CAR Coalition. “We commend Rep. Neal Dunn and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez for their leadership in upholding consumer rights and promoting a free and fair car repair market. Today’s reintroduction of the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act marks an important step forward in limiting unfair repair restrictions and empowering consumers to fix their vehicles on their own terms.” “NFIB is excited to work with and support Rep. Dunn on this important legislation. The REPAIR Act is a much-needed piece of bipartisan legislation to increase competition in the automotive repair industry,” said Andrea McGee, principal of federal government relations at NFIB. “Almost 90 percent of NFIB members support right to repair, making it one of NFIB’s top 10 priorities. NFIB thanks Rep. Dunn for his tireless work on this issue that impacts so many small businesses across all industries.” “MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers thanks Congressman Dunn for reintroducing the REPAIR Act. This bill is a critical step toward protecting consumer choice, competition and innovation in the automotive aftermarket. Ensuring fair access in a cybersecure way to critical repair and maintenance data allows aftermarket manufacturers to continue innovating and providing high-quality, affordable parts to consumers. Without this access, competition is stifled, costs will rise, and consumer choice will be diminished. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers strongly supports this legislation to protect a vibrant and competitive aftermarket that benefits drivers, repairers, and manufacturers alike,” said Paul McCarthy, president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “PAMA’s member companies and independent automotive maintenance shops around the country play a vital role, ensuring that consumers have access to timely and cost-effective repair options for their automobiles,” said Justin Cialella, former PAMA president and chair of the Government Affairs Committee. “We commend and applaud Congressman Dunn for his leadership on the REPAIR Act, a critical milestone in our industry’s effort to protect consumers rights, preserve a fair marketplace with regard to vehicle telematics, and combat deceptive marketing practices.” The post REPAIR Act Re-Introduced in Congress appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper are gearing up for an adrenaline-packed experience with the launch of the 2025 Road Warrior Weekend Sweepstakes. The promotion gives 20 lucky grand-prize winners and their guests the chance to embark on an ultimate driving adventure at the prestigious Radford Racing Performance Driving School in Chandler, Arizona, this October. All grand-prize packages include a thrilling two-day driving experience, where the 40 attendees will have the opportunity to unlock their driving potential in a fleet of high-performance vehicles, the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance explained. In addition, the all-inclusive package covers accommodation, travel, exclusive meals and receptions, and VIP access to the state-of-the-art Radford Racing school’s elite facilities and driving instructors. Beginning on March 1, 2025, and running through April 30, 2025, this high-octane sweepstake offers participants a chance to win not only the grand prize, but Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper are also giving away a total of $25,000 to 150 lucky gift card winners. Entries are simple and automatic: all qualifying invoices of $150 on MyPlace4Parts earn professional technicians an entry, and then bonus entries are awarded at the end of the day for every $150 increment. “Once again, another exciting sweepstakes from Auto Value & Bumper to Bumper,” said Jim Holik, director of marketing, at the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. “These types of promotions aren’t possible without the support of our manufacturing channel partners. Our goal is to give these customers an experience they won’t soon forget, and there is no better way to do that than behind the wheel with some high-performance driving in the desert.” For more details on how to enter and the official sweepstakes rules, visit https://roadwarriorweekend2025.com/. The post Auto Value & Bumper to Bumper Kick Off Road Warrior Weekend Sweepstakes appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

On Feb. 18, 2025, the automakers released a legislative proposal related to automotive right to repair; the views cited in this proposal represent a small fraction of the repair market and are not representative of the broader automotive aftermarket, MEMA said. The industry does appreciate automakers’ acknowledgment of the need for federal legislation to protect consumer choice in vehicle repair and looks forward to congressional consideration of the REPAIR Act. Auto Care Association President and CEO Bill Hanvey and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers President Paul McCarthy released the following statement: “We’re pleased to see trade groups representing automakers finally admit what we’ve long known: congressional action is needed to ensure independent shops and aftermarket parts manufacturers can continue to offer Americans quality, affordable choices for vehicle repairs. “That said, this latest proposal appears to be a tactic to delay and defeat pro-consumer right to repair legislation at every level. The bipartisan Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (REPAIR Act) is a straightforward approach to ensure safe and secure access to vehicle repair and maintenance data. “The REPAIR Act, led by Congressman Neal Dunn, is the solution. Protection of consumer and fleet-owner choice ensured access to critical repair data, an established federal enforcement mechanism, and the prevention of repair monopolies is accomplished through the REPAIR Act. Without it, the aftermarket will lose the ability to not only innovate but continue to offer consumers options to keep their vehicles on the road. The post Automakers Admit Need for Federal Right to Repair Solution appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Holley Performance Brands announced the schedule for what it says is a highly anticipated 2025 flagship event season. Holley said it is building on last year’s record-setting event season with a lineup that brings back the popular events enthusiasts love and introduces exciting new experiences that appeal to an even wider range of participants and spectators. Encompassing five flagship events between April and September, the events have been carefully crafted to excite and engage enthusiasts across virtually all vehicle platforms in the company’s four consumer vertical groupings: Domestic Muscle, Modern Truck & Off-Road, Euro & Import and Safety & Racing, the company said. “The automotive aftermarket is built on the enthusiast community, and our flagship events are one of our richest ties to that community,” said Matthew Stevenson, president and CEO, Holley Performance Brands. “Our events allow us to connect directly with the consumers who use our products and glean valuable insights that help us continue to innovate platform solutions that meet their evolving needs. These events are a powerful example of how we fulfill our mission to bring more performance, safety, fun and excitement to automotive enthusiasts.” 2025 Event Lineup LS Fest West: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, April 25-27, 2025 LS Fest Texas: Texas Motor Speedway, May 16-17, 2025 LS Fest East: Beech Bend Raceway Park, September 5-7, 2025 MoParty: Beech Bend Raceway Park, September 12-14, 2025 Ford Festival: Beech Bend Raceway Park, September 26-27, 2025 Beyond its flagship events, Holley Performance Brands is set to showcase its performance solutions portfolio later this year at SEMA in Las Vegas (November 4-7) and PRI in Indianapolis (December 11-13) and has confirmed sponsorships and participation in more than 50 enthusiast events nationwide, the company said. The post Holley Set to Reach One Million Enthusiasts During 2025 Season appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers announced “The 3 Dragons: Aftermarket Outlook” session returns to the 2025 Vision Conference, April 2 in Chicago. “This annual favorite will set the stage for the conference, enabling attendees to understand where the industry currently stands with a 360-degree view of the economic, financial and industry factors shaping the aftermarket,” MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers said. Register for the event is now open. 3 Dragons, 3 Perspectives Kristin Dziczek, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago – The macroeconomic forces impacting consumers, manufacturers and the aftermarket Simeon Gutman, Morgan Stanley – Wall Street’s perspective on the health and future prospects of the aftermarket Todd Campau, S&P Global Mobility – The latest data on vehicle population and driving trends that will shape demand Why It Matters The 3 Dragons session frames everything that follows at the Vision Conference, explained MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. Sessions like Talk from the Top, A Landmark Study from McKinsey and Associates, and the O’Reilly keynote—to name a few—will build on insights from our 3 dragons, helping you translate today’s realities into tomorrow’s strategies. The post MEMA Announces Vision Conference Details, Speakers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

WIX Filters has announced it will be partnering with World Racing Group as the Preferred Filter of the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series. WIX said the series has a national following and is the most viewed dirt track race series in the U.S., with more than one million fans across its 90-race schedule that spans the country. “Racers everywhere depend on the reliability of WIX Filters to ensure their high-performance cars remain competitive on the racetrack,” said Tina Davis, senior marketing manager for WIX Filters. “World of Outlaws fans will have the opportunity to see the protection and reliability our filters provide in one of the most demanding racing series in the world.” WIX said it will highlight its long legacy in racing by sponsoring the WIX Filters Heat Race #3, which is one of the ways racers can make it to the Feature race and a chance at Victory Lane. In addition, WIX Filters will sponsor a Competitor Contingency Award Program, in which winners will receive a cash prize for displaying the WIX Filters decal. “WIX Filters is an iconic automotive brand, and we’re excited to welcome them to the World of Outlaws and dirt racing community,” said Brian Carter, World of Outlaws CEO. “Many of their customers are already race fans and we look forward to entertaining them at every event and welcoming those who experience the World of Outlaws for the first time.” In addition to the series sponsorship, WIX is a technical partner of the championship winning World of Outlaws team Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing (TSR). TSR fields a Sprint Car for 10-time Series champion Donny Schatz, who holds over 300 wins in the Series and is ranked 3rd all-time. TSR has been a longtime partner with WIX, counting on WIX Filters’ advanced filtration to keep their 900-HP cars protected under the grueling conditions of dirt track racing, WIX said. The post WIX is Preferred Filter for World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Applications for the Art Fisher Memorial Scholarships are now being accepted at AutomotiveScholarships.com. Thirteen scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, in memory of the late founder of Federated Auto Parts, will be awarded to students preparing for automotive aftermarket careers. The deadline to enter is March 31, 2025. The Art Fisher Memorial Scholarships are administered by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) and are awarded to students attending a two- or four-year accredited college, an ASE certified post-secondary automotive, heavy-duty or collision technician training program or any licensed and accredited vocational school. Students graduating from high school in 2024 and heading to any of these post-secondary programs are also eligible. “It brings immense pride to everyone at Federated to provide these scholarships to exceptional applicants each year,” said Bo Fisher, chairman of Federated Auto Parts. “Awarding the Art Fisher Memorial Scholarships is a way to give back, help deserving young students and honor my father’s memory.” Federated is one of more than 30 organizations that award scholarships on the UAF Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship Central website. As an added benefit for students who apply at AutomotiveScholarships.com, each completed application will be considered for every scholarship opportunity where the candidate meets the qualifications. The post Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Applications for the Art Fisher Memorial Scholarships are now being accepted at AutomotiveScholarships.com. Thirteen scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, in memory of the late founder of Federated Auto Parts, will be awarded to students preparing for automotive aftermarket careers. The deadline to enter is March 31, 2025. The Art Fisher Memorial Scholarships are administered by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) and are awarded to students attending a two- or four-year accredited college, an ASE certified post-secondary automotive, heavy-duty or collision technician training program or any licensed and accredited vocational school. Students graduating from high school in 2024 and heading to any of these post-secondary programs are also eligible. “It brings immense pride to everyone at Federated to provide these scholarships to exceptional applicants each year,” said Bo Fisher, chairman of Federated Auto Parts. “Awarding the Art Fisher Memorial Scholarships is a way to give back, help deserving young students and honor my father’s memory.” Federated is one of more than 30 organizations that award scholarships on the UAF Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship Central website. As an added benefit for students who apply at AutomotiveScholarships.com, each completed application will be considered for every scholarship opportunity where the candidate meets the qualifications. The post Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc. (APH) recently held its annual conference, convening 500 store owners, managers, sales representatives, suppliers and support staff under the theme “Say Yes.” The event featured an awards banquet that recognized outstanding achievements in supplier performance for 2024, among which was Gates Corporation being named Supplier of the Year. APH said its annual conference reinforced the collaborative spirit that drives APH’s continued growth and success. Corey Bartlett, CEO of APH, along with key leaders including Kevin Mack, vice president of merchandising; Jim Becker, merchandising manager; Jim Gruber, general manager of BENCO Equipment; Lonnie Kocmick, president of Refinish Supply Co.; and Jason Vogel, president of APH Stores, presented the awards based on evaluations from APH’s store teams and support center staff. “We are delighted to recognize our top suppliers who exemplify the spirit of ‘Say Yes’ through their exceptional support of APH,” Bartlett said. “Strong partnerships with companies such as Gates, BBB, PICO, East Penn, Bosch, the Alliance, Standard, Reelcraft, and SATA are essential to our continued growth.” Supplier Awards Presented: Supplier of the Year: Gates Corporation Spirit of APH: BBB Industries Rising Star: PICO Outstanding Sales Support: East Penn Manufacturing Outstanding Marketing Support: Bosch Outstanding Technology Support: Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Outstanding Training Support: Standard Motor Products In addition, the BENCO Equipment Supplier of the Year award was presented to Reelcraft, and SATA was honored with the Refinish Supply Co. Supplier of the Year award, according to APH. Photo (from left): John Bartlett, chairman emeritus of APH; Colby Florea, vice president of sales at Gates; Colin Foster, zone sales manager at Gates; Angela Raney, director of sales at Gates; Kevin Mack, vice president of merchandising at APH; Mike Brage, territory sales manager at Gates; and Corey Bartlett, CEO of APH. The post Automotive Parts Headquarters Announces Supplier Award Winners appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

FCS Automotive announced the release of 181 new numbers for January/February 2025. The company said all units are in stock and ready to ship. The new parts include: 30 Complete Strut Assemblies 11 Shock Absorber Assembly Kits 3 Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers 72 Suspension Struts 40 Shock Absorbers 25 Lift Supports FCS said these new part numbers cover over 30 million vehicles currently on the road in the U.S. and Canada. They include models like the Audi A4, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Charger, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Tacoma and more. The post FCS Introduces 181 New Numbers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

PHINIA has been awarded the 2024 Supplier Partnership Award by NEXUS Automotive International at the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) show in Grapevine, Texas. Established three years ago, this award recognizes suppliers that excel in program support, growth acceleration, professionalism, and partnership. Eligible suppliers must meet high standards in cooperation and innovation at both the NEXUS and local distributor levels. “We’re pleased to present this award to PHINIA,” said Joe Stephan, vice president of sales and business development for NEXUS North America. “Over the past year, PHINIA has strengthened its aftermarket commercial organization with talented, well-respected professionals and has demonstrated the high standards our members expect from global supplier partners. We look forward to building upon this valued partnership for years to come.” “This recognition is a testament to our team’s hard work and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our partners,” said Dave Illes, senior director of aftermarket sales, marketing, and training for PHINIA North America. “We sincerely thank NEXUS for this honor and look forward to further strengthening our partnership.” The post PHINIA Receives 2024 Supplier Partnership Award from NEXUS Automotive appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

German lighting specialist HELLA announced it has partnered with Brian Deegan in an agreement that will run into 2026. Deegan has equipped his 2025 Can-Am Maverick R side-by-side with a number of the latest HELLA LED lighting technology to help him both see and be seen, the company said. “A new addition this year – and a brand I’m stoked to be with because it has so much heritage and has been around for over 125 years – is HELLA lights,” said Deegan, when he introduced the Maverick R to his fans. “They’re big in rally, too, which is cool for me!” “When a legend like Brian Deegan chooses HELLA lighting, it’s a big deal,” said Rob Tinson, vice president of sales and marketing for HELLA. “He knows performance, reliability and visibility win races, and we’re proud to provide the lighting technology that’ll keep him at the front of the pack!” Built for King of the Hammers and competing in other events, the Maverick is fully equipped for desert racing. The team added a full-length HELLA Black Magic 40” single row LED lightbar above the front roll bar, providing powerful illumination. Additionally, 3.2” HELLA Black Magic LED Cube lights were added to the front winch bar to spotlight obstacles and hazards. HELLA explained it joined an impressive motorsports roll call on the Deegan Maverick R, which also included Bilstein shocks, Evo tune, Obor RocScraper tires, Method Beadlock wheels and PRP seats, giving Brian the best chance of finishing the race and reaching the podium. In qualifying for the 2025 Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship, #38 qualified 24th of 100 drivers, which equated to third in the 4900 Pro Stock Turbo UTV class. In the race, a technical issue resulted in a DNF, although Deegan was classified 49th, HELLA said. In addition to his Can-Am Maverick R racer, HELLA also provides lighting for Brian’s personal Ford Raptor R and the water truck he uses to take care of his beautiful dirt track compound where the family The post HELLA Partners with Deegan for King of Hammers Desert Race appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Like many parts professionals, I’m a little bit OCD. My coworkers might tell you that’s an understatement. Organization has always been a pet project of mine, from designing and implementing planograms for the retail floor to maximizing storage space in the areas behind the counter. For the retail areas of our stores, we receive a great deal of support from the various manufacturers that make up our line cards. Corporate planograms, signage and other materials not only make it easier for us to effectively display retail products, but these professionally designed merchandisers also serve as advertising for the manufacturer. Having a particular category or brand offering consolidated in one place makes it more convenient for a customer to find what they need with minimal assistance, and the manufacturer can display the items they feel showcase their brand more effectively and profitably. The “back of house” area is an entirely different world when it comes to inventory organization. Warehousing and other non-public-facing storage areas need not be visually appealing to attract customer dollars, but they should be designed to maximize inventory dollars per square foot, and to encourage safe and efficient workflow when picking orders and restocking products. With products from multiple vendors sharing warehouse space, a simple and logical method of organization is to group items first by manufacturer/brand, and then alphanumerically. For most of our manufacturers, this works well because their product offerings are often similar in size and packaging. For manufacturers with varied product lines, this becomes a bit more challenging. A chassis parts inventory will include a wide variety of package sizes and shapes, making it difficult to store long items like drag links in the same space as a relatively compact ball joint package, or the large irregular shapes found when organizing boxed control arms. A well-defined part numbering system can help alleviate some of these storage issues, but there always seems to be one or more outliers, leaving the stock clerk to figure out how to shelve them effectively. In the OEM dealership world, parts generally come from a single source. With a single “brand,” and often cryptic part numbering systems, the alphanumeric inventory method becomes nearly impossible. Consecutive part numbers could (theoretically) be as varied as a bolt, a set of brake pads and a door shell, none of which would sensibly be shelved together. For most dealer parts departments, a “bin location” system is necessary to customize and maximize storage. Each part number is assigned a location code, corresponding to a specific shelf, drawer or bin somewhere in the warehouse. The “bin location” method offers flexibility, but adds another level of complexity to organization. Shelving units are more uniformly organized, with like-sized items stored together regardless of function or category. As parts transition through their natural life cycles, they can be added to and removed from their locations, keeping faster-moving parts closer to the counter for ease of picking, or moving a part’s location to accommodate larger stocking quantities of that item. In some cases, it also can allow for items that are frequently sold together to be stocked in the same location. Finally, location coding allows for less-experienced warehouse personnel to find items simply by finding a location and verifying the part number on the order, rather relying on someone’s memory of “where we keep that widget.” The drawback is in the duplication. Each part number must be assigned additional information when it is initially stocked, and some store-level inventory systems are not designed to accommodate a field for location. Further, if a location code is entered incorrectly, never assigned or a part is mis-stocked somewhere in the warehouse, it easily becomes “lost,” and can be nearly impossible to find until an inventory is performed. Most dealerships maintain a perpetual “bin count” schedule, checking a few bins each day to keep up with this task, making corrections as necessary. No matter your organizational method, keeping a sense of order is important when designing your back of house area. Minimizing the amount of empty space (not including that reserved for future expansion) maximizes the value of your inventory per square foot. Physical characteristics of some parts will often dictate their unique storage needs, but wherever we can streamline the process of stocking and retrieving parts, we increase efficiency and worker productivity. The post Inventory Organization: A Place for Everything, and Everything in its Place appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Judge Denise Casper dismissed the entirety of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s suit challenging the 2020 Massachusetts Data Access Law. The automakers’ bid to block the Massachusetts Right to Repair law has failed and the law remains in effect. The judge’s written decision is still under seal but should be made available to the public soon. “Today’s ruling is a significant victory for the people of Massachusetts—and all Americans,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “This decision by Judge Casper ensures that car owners have the right to access their vehicle’s repair and diagnostic data, empowering them to make informed choices about maintenance and repairs. It levels the playing field, allowing independent repair shops to compete fairly, which in turn drives down costs for consumers. As car owners, we all deserve the freedom to control and manage the data that’s generated by our own vehicles. This ruling is a crucial step toward fostering greater transparency, affordability, and innovation in the automotive industry for the benefit of all Americans.” The Auto Care Association said it will update its members with additional information as it becomes available. The post Auto Care Applauds Massachusetts Right to Repair Verdict appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article