Counterman

In the July 2023 issue of AMN/Counterman, we gave leaders from the major distribution groups and trade associations an opportunity to reflect on the most critical issues affecting the automotive aftermarket. For the second year in a row, we let distribution leaders “riff” on these topics in their own words. Here’s what Sanjay Patel, president of Carquest North America, had to say on the subjects of collaboration and growth opportunities. Carquest is built around an unrivaled passion for the customer and dedication to serving communities. As a support team, when you look at our role as a trusted advisor and business ally for our store partners, collaboration is of the utmost importance. We have an incredibly diverse business. Our store partners serve DIYers and professional shops, and many support local farmers with heavy machinery and agricultural needs. With this variety of customers, it’s important that we collaborate, share information and understand what works best for our store partners. We host quarterly meetings with our independent advisory council, two of them each year in person. This is a diverse group of store partners from across the country serving markets large and small. Through these meetings, we’re able to understand what drives their business and what they need from us to succeed. We’re able to learn from their best practices, and share what we’ve learned from the company side that can be a positive for their business. Our brand also is committed to creating growth opportunities for members of the Carquest family. One example is our second-annual Women of Carquest event taking place this September, where many of our outstanding female independent owners, managers and team members will connect with each other and our company leaders for sessions on networking, leadership and career growth. Plus, they’re able to build and strengthen relationships among each other, so they can learn new ways to grow their business. Community involvement has been a shared focus for Carquest and our store partners. Last year, we asked our independent store partners about the causes that resonated with them and their customers. The resounding answer was supporting members of the military, veterans and their families. With that in mind, we aligned with Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit dedicated to finding meaningful employment and career guidance for military veterans entering the workforce. We have a tremendous amount of owned assets available for our owners to better entrench their businesses with their customers. More owners are leveraging Carquest Technical Institute and Worldpac Training Institute to hold in-person training events for their customers at Carquest store locations. As EVs, hybrids, ADAS and other emerging technologies become more prominent, these training opportunities help store partners and their customers enhance their rapport and further their knowledge of today’s vehicles. I believe collaboration is at its purest form when we’re in the field. I recently had the privilege of joining our Carquest field leaders in Nebraska, where we put more than 1,300 miles on a rental car visiting independent owners. Spending time in market and seeing how the magic happens alongside our store partners is motivating. It gets me excited about the present and future of our Carquest brand. Carquest Auto Parts Founded: 1974 Headquarters: Raleigh, North Carolina Number of distribution centers: 27 Carquest (U.S.) distribution centers Number of parts stores: 1,315 independently owned Carquest (U.S.) stores Website: www.carquest.com The post Sanjay Patel on Supporting Carquest’s ‘Diverse Business’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Lee Rodgers of Automotive Parts Associates (APA) has been appointed to CAWA’s board of directors. Rodgers is APA’s product director. “We are pleased to have Mr. Rodgers serve in a leadership role for the Association and welcome him to the Board of Directors,” said Young Suhr Jr., chair of the CAWA board of directors. Rodgers, who joined APA in June, has 10 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. In his position at APA, Rodgers is responsible for the management of supplier relationships and overall product strategy. CAWA is a Sacramento, California-based trade association that represents auto parts, jobbers, retailers, warehouse distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives and program groups. The post CAWA Appoints APA’s Lee Rodgers to Board of Directors appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Automotive Aftermarket Riders Club’s (AARC) annual Ride for the Future three-day motorcycle ride will start on Oct. 26 in Las Vegas. The ride raises money for the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) to help fund scholarships and educational opportunities for the next generation of industry professionals. AARC encourages those who support its mission to participate in this year’s epic adventure or contribute by texting AARC to 53-555 to join the UAF Coffee Club. The scenic ride will begin at Eagle Rider Rentals and Tours in Las Vegas on Thursday, Oct. 26. The riders will head to Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona, with stops at Zion National Park in southern Utah and Lake Powell in northern Arizona. The riders will head back to Las Vegas on Oct. 28 in time for the start of AWDA, AAPEX and the UAF Coffee Club event. Interested riders can rent motorcycles from Eagle Rider Rentals and Tours with an advance reservation. For more information or to learn how to become a rider or sponsor, contact Mike Mohler, leader of the pack at [email protected]. ”The AARC Ride for the Future is a fun, memorable and rewarding experience,” Mohler said. ”Not only are we visiting epic locations and having a great time, but we are giving back. It’s a win-win for our riders and the industry. If you can’t join us, please support us by texting AARC to 53-555 and pouring it forward for the next generation.” To learn more about the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, visit UofA-Foundation.org. The post AARC Ride for the Future Heads to Antelope Canyon appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In the July 2023 issue of AMN/Counterman, we gave leaders from the major distribution groups and trade associations an opportunity to reflect on the most critical issues affecting the automotive aftermarket. For the second year in a row, we let distribution leaders “riff” on these topics in their own words. Here’s what Steve Tucker, president of Automotive Parts Associates, had to say on the topic of consolidation in the aftermarket. The consolidation of the aftermarket has been a conversation for so many years now that it almost seems unnecessary to discuss further. Far too many see the independent WD as just “hanging on” and perhaps even as a relic of bygone years. Those of us who live in this space every day know different! There is no question that there are fewer individually owned and independent warehouse distributors out there. There are still hundreds out there, however, that not only continue to survive but are thriving. The strengths of the players in the independent space are often difficult for the big-box guys to replicate. These business owners operate very close to the street and can quickly adjust to changing market conditions, see trends and act accordingly. Servicing the customer and handling issues quickly continue to be the primary drivers, and our companies excel in those areas without question. Having true professionals with extensive parts knowledge working with our customers is a key differentiator for us. While we all do substantial business online with our customers, there is no substitute for personal attention especially when an issue needs timely resolution. Additionally, our companies continue to see value in supporting name brands. As vehicle complexity continues to mount, technician customers are looking for brands they trust to ensure the repair is done right, and so the independent aftermarket continues to support our customers with manufacturer brands whenever possible. Another aspect of the business that has been growing at an ever-increasing rate is the availability of good data and tools to mine and use that data to tailor inventories, maximize space, control deliveries, and improve virtually every aspect of the business models. I feel strongly that this is a key area that all the program groups invested in to provide those tools to our memberships in an easy-to-use concise toolbox. Data is king, and knowing how to take that data and use it to maximize the rest of our capabilities is critical for success and growth. We can then tie this all together with a strong and responsive industry association that all of us need to support as they look out for us at a national level not only with legislative issues, but also by providing support with environmental initiatives, economic information, and best practices support. Our Auto Care Association is one of the best ways we can all ensure our future and the future of those that follow us in the independent aftermarket. I think for most of us this isn’t just a career, it is truly a lifestyle, and we need to work with Auto Care to leave this business in a great place for the next generation. I look at other businesses such as pharmacies, retail, hardware, etc., and while the big-box guys have certainly impacted there as well, I still see a big number of independent businesses operating there as well and they do so based on the same “blocking and tackling” mentality we use. Service the customer! As a parting thought, and if you haven’t done so, I recommend you watch the Tom Hanks movie “A Man Called Otto.” In one of the opening scenes, he is attempting to buy a 5-foot length of rope in a hardware store and the cashier cannot sell him rope by the foot because the system only sells in yard increments. Our folks would’ve figured it out! The post APA’s Steve Tucker: Independent Aftermarket Alive and Well appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Autel has released its 2023 ADAS calibration coverage for an extensive list of vehicle brands. With the release, Autel has added a dynamic DTC-analysis feature to provide causes and solutions for ADAS-sensor and component faults, the company noted. Available to all MaxiSYS tablet owners – MS906 Pro and higher, with active ADAS-calibration software subscriptions – calibration coverage expands to: GM – 2023-2024 Canyon, Cadillac Lyriq and XT4 Honda/Acura – 2023 HR-V, Pilot, Civic and Accord Hyundai – 2023 IONIQ 5 Infiniti – 2023-2025 Q50; 2024-2025 QX60; and 2023-2025 QX80 Kia – 2023 Sorento Land Rover – 2020-2023 Rover, Range Rover Sport and Discovery Lexus – 2022 RC300; 2022 UX200; 2023 NX400h, LC500h, LC500 and LC500C; and 2024 UX250H Maserati – 2023 Levante M161, Ghibli M157 and Quattroporte M156 Mazda – 2023 CX-50, CX-90 and MX-30 Nissan – 2023-2024 Versa; 2023-2025 Kicks; and 2023-2025 Rogue Sport Toyota – 2023-2024 BZ4X and 2023 Corolla Cross HEV The new DTC-analysis feature provides technicians with detailed fault-cause possibilities and suggested fault solutions including component repairs or replacements when a DTC in an ADAS system is detected. The feature is intended to facilitate the quick repair of the system with cause and solutions displayed with a tap on the question icon adjacent to the trouble code. IA900WA users also should be aware of recent software updates to the wheel-alignment software for numerous vehicles, including those made by GM, Infiniti, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen. The Autel IA900WA wheel-alignment and ADAS-calibration system provides vehicle wheel-alignment coverage from the 1960s to today. The post Autel Releases 2023 ADAS Calibration Coverage appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

FCS Automotive announce the release of 57 new part numbers. Included in the new-part release are: 15 shock-absorber assembly kits Eight complete strut assemblies 29 bare struts and shocks Five air struts All of the units are in stock and ready to ship. “FCS remains committed to be first to market with new numbers, while providing the most comprehensive market coverage in North America – well-beyond our nearest competitor,” the company said in a news release. “Many of these numbers are not available from the competition.” The new numbers cover some of the most popular applications on the road today, including the BMW 3 Series; Chevrolet Express; Chevrolet Colorado; Chrysler Pacific; Ford F-150; Hyundai Santa Fe; Cherokee; Kia Sportage; Lexus ES 350; Tesla S; Volvo S80; and more. As a global supplier in more than 40 countries, FCS products are produced to meet strict OE-quality processes backed by extensive in-house testing and IATF16949 and ISO14001 certifications, according to the company. For more information, call 866-708-4554 or visit the FCS website. The post FCS Adds 57 New Part Numbers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

To further enhance and expand its replacement parts and service business in North America, Stellantis announced the bproauto aftermarket parts brand as its new line of high-quality, competitively priced, replacement parts. Following decades of success in Europe and other international markets, including the Middle East and South America, the newly introduced bproauto parts portfolio is available for most makes and models to help combat the rapidly changing aftermarket and the long-term shift to electrification as vehicles and their components are becoming increasingly complex and digital, the automaker noted. The original-equipment-backed parts come with up to a two-year/unlimited-mile warranty. In addition, batteries have up to two-year free replacement coverage and brake pads carry a limited lifetime warranty, according to Stellantis. “With the introduction of bproauto, we’re further enhancing the customer experience by offering a new, competitively priced, private-label line of high-quality, factory-backed parts for most makes and models,” said Mike Koval, head of Mopar North America. “While Mopar will remain the global original-equipment parts and authentic accessories brand for Stellantis, bproauto will offer an alternative for nearly all brands and all cars – new, used, owned, rented or shared. With Mopar and bproauto, our dealerships offer a 360-degree, multi-brand, one-stop-shop solution for nearly all customers, all vehicles and all brands.” In North America, 30 parts categories will be available for most makes and models to support the ongoing transition of the automotive repair industry. Additional product lines will phase into the Stellantis dealership network. The following parts are available now from bproauto: Air filters Batteries Brake pads Brake rotors Hub bearings Oil and oil filters Tire-pressure monitoring systems Additional high-quality products coming from bproauto will include: ABS sensorsIgnition coilsA/C compressorsLubricantsA/C condensersO2 sensorsA/C evaporatorsRadiatorsAlternatorsShocksBall jointsSpark plugsBattery cablesSpark plug wiresBrake calipersStartersBrake hardwareStrutsBulbsTaillampsChemicalsThermostatsControl armsTie-rod endsFiltration: cabin and transmissionTiming belts/tensionersFuel injectorsU-jointsFuel pump modulesWater pumpsFunctional fluidsWiper bladesHeadlamps The post Stellantis Expands Parts Business in North America appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In the July 2023 issue of AMN/Counterman, we gave leaders from the major distribution groups and trade associations an opportunity to reflect on the most critical issues affecting the automotive aftermarket. For the second year in a row, we let distribution leaders “riff” on these topics in their own words. Here’s what JC Washbish, vice president of sales and marketing for the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, had to say on the power of partnerships. The Alliance has been full-speed down the front stretch of 2023 with our joint-venture partners, Federated Auto Parts, and the newly established Federated-Alliance! It has been exciting, to say the least, to work with our close friends at Federated. Our goal from Day 1 has been to sell better! It remains our aim to be the best independent distributor in the industry. The Federated-Alliance partnership has led to our inclusion in the Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group). The Alliance would like to thank Sue Godschalk, president of Federated Auto Parts, and Robert Roos, president and CEO of the Pronto Network Cooperative, for welcoming the Alliance into The Group with open arms. It was an honor to attend The Group’s 2023 National Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, this past March. The Alliance also would like to thank all the valued channel partners that supported and attended the wonderful event. Without their support or their quality products, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish our goal: selling better! The Alliance also has increased its membership within the Alliance Commercial Vehicle and Heavy-Duty program with the additions of Pardo Fleet Solutions located in Sewell, New Jersey, in March. Piston Ring Service & Supply of Winnipeg officially joined the program in April. Finally, the Alliance is excited to announce Arnold Oil Supply of Austin, Texas, as its newest CVHD member this past June. The focus of the Alliance takes a political shift as we head into the second half of the year. We will answer the calls of Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, and Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, to work together to pass The REPAIR Act. July is Right to Repair month. We are mobilizing our employees, our shareholder members as well as our shop customers and encouraging them to contact their members of Congress to ask that those officials support the REPAIR Act. The Alliance will attend the Auto Care Association Legislative Summit this September to further demand passage of the bill by their members of Congress. In fact, I am asking YOU, the reader (come on, you’ve made it this far), to also contact your member of congress today by visiting this link: https://www.autocareadvocacy.org/take-action-tell-congress-support-right-to-repair/. The Alliance is looking forward to a fantastic back stretch of 2023 and is hopeful that as a united industry we will all be protected with the Right to Repair. Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc. Founded: 2000 Headquarters: San Antonio Number of members/shareholders: 37 Number of distribution centers/parts stores: 3,000+ Website: www.autovalue.com and www.bumpertobumper.com. The post JC Washbish: ‘Selling Better’ Has Been the Goal All Along appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In 1986, Counterman announced its first “Counterman of the Year.” While the name has changed slightly, the intent of the Counter Professional of the Year hasn’t: The award recognizes America’s most trusted “go-to” men and women behind the parts counter. “Believe it or not, the personnel working behind the counters in the nation’s auto parts stores have never been recognized on an industry-wide basis,” former Counterman Editor Larry Silvey wrote in the February 1986 issue. That’s no longer the case, of course, as we’re in the 38th year of the Counter Professional of the Year. But we need your nominations to keep the program strong and vibrant. If you’re chosen as the Counter Professional of the Year, you’ll receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas for AAPEX 2023, including a VIP experience at the Babcox Media/WIX Filters “Night of Excellence.” You’ll also be featured in the December 2023 issue of Counterman. Nominating a counter pro (or yourself) is easy. Just visit the nomination page, fill out the nomination form and we’ll take care of the rest. The 2023 Counter Professional of the Year award is sponsored by WIX Filters. The post Still Time for Counter Professional of the Year Nominations appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, announced that nominations are open for its 2023 Industry Awards. The AWDA Industry Awards are presented annually during the AWDA Business and Education Conference, which will take place Oct. 31-Nov. 2 in Las Vegas. Over the years, the list of AWDA award recipients has evolved into a who’s-who of aftermarket luminaries. AWDA’s are among the most widely recognized and highly respected awards the aftermarket has to offer. The AWDA Industry Awards include: Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education This award, presented in memory of former AWDA Chairman Art Fisher, recognizes a company or individual for their leadership and commitment to education and training, either within their own organization or throughout the industry. Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Martin Fromm This very selective award recognizes individuals who have, over the course of a career spanning many years, distinguished themselves through their integrity, unselfish commitment to and high level of performance within the motor vehicle aftermarket industry. Outstanding Leadership Award in Honor of Jack Creamer (Formerly the Jack Creamer Automotive Leader of the Year Award) This award recognizes an individual, employed in the aftermarket, who over the past several years, has made a unique and monumental contribution to the industry and/or the association. Pursuit of Excellence Award: Recognizing Special Achievement This award is presented in recognition of excellence in business performance and the setting of high standards as an example for others to follow. The deadline to submit award nominations is Aug. 25. Learn more about the award criteria, see former winners and submit nominations by visiting the AWDA webpage. The post AWDA Accepting Nominations for 2023 Industry Awards appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Northwood University and Auto-Wares Group of Companies are announcing a new partnership to provide valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth to Auto-Wares employees, their spouses and dependents. “We are thrilled to join forces with Auto-Wares to empower their employees and families to pursue higher education at Northwood University,” said Matthew Bennett, vice president of graduate enrollment and professional studies. “Northwood has a rich history of providing transformative educational experiences, and we look forward to offering our renowned programs to Auto-Wares’ dedicated workforce. This collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to investing in individuals and equipping them with the tools for success in the rapidly evolving automotive aftermarket industry.” The scholarship program will provide financial assistance for pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees, creating a pathway for individuals to unlock their full potential and achieve their educational goals. “At Auto-Wares, we believe in investing in our employees and their families,” said Aaron Roach, director of human resources at Auto-Wares. “Through this scholarship program, we strive to support their aspirations and contribute to long-term success in their chosen fields. “By partnering with Northwood University, a university renowned for its comprehensive business and automotive aftermarket programs, we are confident that our employees and their loved ones will have access to top-tier educational programs that will enhance their skills and broaden their horizons.” The scholarship program will cover a range of undergraduate and graduate programs offered by Northwood University, including business administration; automotive marketing and management; automotive aftermarket management; operations; supply chain management and more. Eligible Auto-Wares employees, their spouses and dependents will have the opportunity to pursue their desired degrees while benefitting from Northwood University’s distinguished faculty, extensive industry connections, and experiential learning opportunities. The post Northwood, Auto-Wares Announce New Scholarship Program appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

PRT has added 32 complete strut assemblies to its portfolio for the North American aftermarket. The new SKUs represent more than 10 million vehicles in new coverage, according to the company. The coverage includes the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V and Kia Forte, in addition to brand-new applications such as the Nissan Leaf and 2021 Jeep Cherokee, among others. PRT is a brand of the ADD USA group, one of the largest manufacturers of complete strut assemblies in the world. PRT products are manufactured under the strictest OE-quality processes required by the main automakers, according to PRT. “These new applications represent our continuous-development commitment to the North American aftermarket,” said Bruno Bello, director of global marketing at PRT. “As an OEM supplier, PRT consistently strives to offer the best solutions, with the same level of quality found in the OE market. All new items are in stock and ready to ship.” For more information, call 770-238-1611 or visit the PRT website. The post PRT Adds 32 Complete Strut Assemblies appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

AirSept recently announced a new distribution partnership with Transtar Industries. Transtar, founded in 1975, is the world’s largest supplier of transmission and driveline parts. Transtar recently launched a comprehensive line of air-conditioning parts for auto, light-duty and medium-duty applications. AirSept, which develops unique, problem-solving products for the mobile and stationary HVAC markets, has been granted more than 40 patents worldwide and has received 20 industry awards for products designed to save time and labor and grow service profits, according to the company. With the partnership, Transtar will stock AirSept’s products for the mobile air-climate market, including AirSept’s Smart Splice line-repair solutions; Dual Recycle Guard to prevent sealant and contaminants from damaging A/C-service equipment; Compressor Guard filters to protect compressors from harmful debris; and AirSept’s complete line of A/C tools and equipment. “We are excited to announce a partnership with Transtar that will allow us to offer our extensive line of A/C repair solutions to a broad national market,” AirSept President Aaron Becker said. “Our innovative products are designed to provide new A/C repair options and to protect expensive A/C-service equipment. Transtar is perfectly positioned for success in the A/C aftermarket, and we are proud to offer our products through them.” Transtar Vice President of Product Development, Kevin Piekarski added: “Our partnership with AirSept allows Transtar to get one step closer to our mission of simplifying complex vehicle repair to keep the world moving. AirSept’s innovative and unique products allow our customers to be more efficient and profitable and we are proud to be partnered with a company that matches our same passion for problem-solving.” The post AirSept Announces Distribution Partnership with Transtar appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) reported second-quarter sales of $5.9 billion, up 5.6% compared to second-quarter 2022. GPC reported a 4.9% increase in comparable sales. A 1.8% benefit from acquisitions contributed to the quarterly results, the company noted. Net income jumped 10% to $344 million. On a per-share diluted basis, net income was $2.44, an increase of nearly 11% compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.20 last year. “We are pleased to report another solid quarter, which includes record sales and double-digit adjusted earnings growth,” said Paul Donahue, chairman and CEO. “Our second-quarter performance, once again, highlights the value and benefit of our global Automotive and Industrial business mix and geographic diversity, which we believe are competitive advantages that differentiate GPC in the marketplace.” Sales for the Automotive Parts Group, which includes NAPA Auto Parts, increased 5.4% to $3.7 billion. The results include a 4.3% increase in comparable sales and a 2.6% benefit from acquisitions, according to the company. “Global Automotive sales continue to benefit from our global diversification, as our businesses outside the U.S. posted mid-single-digit to double-digit growth in local currency in the second quarter,” said Will Stengel, president and chief operating officer. “Our Industrial sales growth was broad based, with all product categories and major industries served growing from the prior year, allowing the Industrial team to post its 12th consecutive quarter of margin expansion. The global GPC team delivered a solid second quarter and our teams remain focused on the consistent execution of our strategic initiatives. We believe our investments in our people, customer solutions, technology, supply chain and emerging technology will continue to enhance our capabilities and leadership positions.” The post GPC Report Record Sales, Double-Digit Earnings Growth appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In the July 2023 issue of AMN/Counterman, we gave leaders from the major distribution groups and trade associations an opportunity to reflect on the most critical issues affecting the automotive aftermarket. For the second year in a row, we let distribution leaders “riff” on these topics in their own words. Here’s what Lauren Beaulieu, vice president, professional marketing for Advance Auto Parts, Carquest and Worldpac, had to say on the topic of differentiation. Our enterprise is focused on providing repair shop owners with differentiating products and solutions to help their businesses succeed and grow. We’re always evolving our strategies to support the needs of our customers. We’re preparing our customers for the future – because the future is here! We’re seeing how EV efforts are ramping up across the country. Our home state of North Carolina is opening multiple facilities that will be responsible for manufacturing batteries and other components for EVs, and I recently read that several manufacturers of EVs and EV components are coming to Georgia. As more electric vehicles and ADAS technologies populate the car parc, it’s our responsibility to support our more than 16,500 TechNet member shops and other enterprise customers with industry-leading education to support the vehicles of today and tomorrow. Part of how we do this is through our Carquest Technical Institute and Worldpac Training Institute technical and business management training. One of the most important things a shop owner can do is invest in its people. Shops that invest in their team and create a positive, engaged culture retain good employees. CTI+WTI’s online, virtual and in-person training provides technicians, service advisors and owners the opportunity to expand their knowledge and grow their career and business. We’re developing more training content on high voltage, ADAS and other emerging technologies to help our customers prepare for the future. Along with our commitment to expanding the curriculum available in CTI+WTI, our team is hard at work preparing for next year’s Supplier & Training Expo (STX) in Nashville. Each year, our goal is to add more relevant training and networking opportunities for attendees. We’ll have more than 350 courses led by the world’s top OE instructors, along with expert instructors from CTI+WTI. This will include significant programming on electrification and ADAS. While STX originated and is primarily a Worldpac customer event, it’s open to all our customers in the US and Canada: Advance, Carquest and Autopart International. We’re also excited to host our first event at STX specifically for members of TechNet Nation to network with other shop owners and technicians. This event is sold out, and we’re looking forward to seeing how members respond. Earlier this year, I mentioned in this space how we’re expanding the benefits that come with being a TechNet shop. From social media templates to direct-mail designs, we’ve added more to our library of TechNet-specific marketing resources for shops to leverage. We also recently launched within our online TechNet shop locator a “service and specialty” section. Motorists can now sort and filter shops by what type of work they do. For example, if you’re looking for an import specialist, you can find the shop that meets your needs. Same if you’re looking for a shop that works on hybrid or electric vehicles, a collision center, and so forth. Providing personalized resources to our TechNet shops while supporting the brand they’ve built in their local communities distinguishes them and helps them better-serve customers while helping their businesses grow and thrive. The post Lauren Beaulieu: ‘We’re Preparing Our Customers for the Future’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Rislone Engine Treatment is moving to a more concentrated product in a smaller bottle. In an effort to “offer customers greater versatility at a lower cost,” a 16.9-fluid-ounce bottle of Maximum Performance Engine Treatment (P/N 4102) replaces the quart size (P/N 100QR) in the Rislone lineup, according to Rislone. “Quart sizes of engine additives were preferable when consumers bought individual quarts of oil for every oil change,” said Clay Parks, vice president of development for Rislone. “They could just swap a quart of oil for a quart of Engine Treatment. Now that they’re buying larger jugs of oil, we can replace the quart-size Engine Treatment with one that offers the same performance in a smaller, more cost-effective formula. Customers can add a full bottle of Rislone Engine Treatment at every oil change and can use it at any time to clean and stop engine noises, like a sticky lifter.” American-made Rislone Engine Treatment is formulated to reduce engine friction and wear; quiet noisy lifters and valves; remove and prevent sludge; and keep engines clean, according to the company. “The Rislone formula has evolved through the years to stay ahead of engine-oil technology,” the company said in a news release. “The new concentrated formula contains high-quality penetrating oil combined with protective engine additives and special cleaning agents to help motor oil flow freely, which provides engine protection over a broader temperature range and helps mitigate the effects of LSPI (low-speed pre-ignition) in newer direct-injection engines. Rislone Engine Treatment penetrates valve lifters, bearing surfaces, and piston rings to remove and prevent sludge and varnish.” The recommended dosage of Rislone Engine Treatment is one bottle for 4- to 6-quart systems in passenger cars and light trucks. For larger systems, such as for diesel trucks and stationary engines, one bottle treats every 5 quarts of oil capacity. It is compatible with conventional, high-mileage and synthetic engine oil in all gasoline, diesel and turbo engines. The post Rislone Engine Treatment Available in Smaller Bottle appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Air-conditioning (A/C) systems used to be much more forgiving for the DIYer, and professional technicians too. Compared to today’s systems, the different refrigerant and operating characteristics made them easier to charge. The refrigerant amount didn’t have to be as precise, and they used to have a sight glass through which you could see the refrigerant flow. Eliminate the bubbles and you were in good shape. Is it possible for a DIYer to have success charging their own A/C system? The answer is yes – but with caution. They don’t have to be an A/C master, and as long as they keep a few details in mind, they’ll be blowing cold air in no time. We’ll get into the caution part down the page. The Basics Modern A/C systems are very dependable. It’s when they require service that many problems occur. The efficient operation and longevity of today’s R134a and R1234yf systems hinges on the accuracy of the refrigerant and oil charge. This is the most important point to keep in mind. A topic that can easily be a freight train out of control, why a system is being recharged is a factor in the charging itself. Is the system just a little low or completely empty, and why? Was a component replaced due to a collision or a leak? Was the compressor replaced and was the system properly flushed? The bottom line is these are factors that must be known to determine the proper amount of oil, if any, that should be added. The amount of oil to be added depends on the component that was replaced, and there’s no set standard. It varies for every component in every car. The manufacturer service information, as well as information included with replacement compressors, must be referenced to get it right. The Refrigerant R134a and R1234yf are similar in operation, but R1234yf is much friendlier for the environment, which is why it soon will be the only refrigerant available in new automobiles. R134a eventually will be phased out, but for now it will still be around for a long time to service the vehicles that originally came with it. Even though there are two different types, there’s no decision to be made: Use what the vehicle came with. It’s illegal to use R134a in anything that didn’t originally come with it, and the service fittings are different between the two to eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination. Charging Since it’s illegal to dispel any refrigerant into the atmosphere, if refrigerant needs to be recovered for a repair, a DIYer will have to take the vehicle to a shop to do it. That’s assuming they don’t have recovery equipment at home next to the lawnmower, and that’s one assumption I’m willing to make. If the system is completely empty, it will need to be evacuated prior to charging. There’s no way around this and it requires a vacuum pump. As a general rule of thumb, a 45-minute evacuation period is adequate. In addition to the refrigerant, a DIYer will need to purchase the proper valve and hose, based on their refrigerant, to connect to the A/C system. Cans of refrigerant come with or without them, since they can be transferred between cans. With the proper amount of oil added and the vehicle running with the A/C system on, the refrigerant can be added to the system. It takes time and patience, but the system eventually will draw all refrigerant in. The tricky part is the amount. It must be precise for proper performance. Again, unless they have charging equipment in the corner, they’ll have to estimate. Professionally, this isn’t acceptable, but it can be done with a little patience. The easiest way to do this is to buy the cans that get you as close as possible to the proper amount. If you put a complete can of refrigerant in but still need 4 more ounces and you have an 8-ounce can, you just have to guess based on weight. Many of the charging valves/hoses come with a small gauge. Since you charge from the low side (fittings are also different between low and high side), the gauges will have a “green” area that represents the range of correct low-side pressure for a properly charged system. This is an added tool to indicate proper system operation, and it can be used in conjunction with the amount, but don’t go too deep down this hole. It’s another freight train. Ambient temperature has an effect on A/C outlet temperature, as well as how easy it is to charge the system. This can throw you off. The best thing to do is charge it at the hottest point of the day, put a thermometer in the dash outlet and monitor the temperature. If it’s cold on the thermometer, it feels cold coming out of the dash and you’re close to having the right amount of refrigerant, it’s a good time to stop. Proceed with Caution When adding oil to an A/C system, it’s imperative to use the correct oil. All oils are not compatible, and they can wreak havoc on an A/C system. Even more important, many electric and hybrid electric vehicles use electric compressors that require a non-conductive oil. To avoid cross-contamination, a DIYer never should use the same can of refrigerant on two different vehicles The post Cool Runnings: Recharging the A/C appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

O’Reilly Automotive reported record revenue and earnings for its second quarter, which ended June 30. Second-quarter sales were $4.07 billion, up 11% from second-quarter 2022. Gross profit increased 11% to nearly $2.1 billion. Diluted earnings per common share increased 16% to $10.22 on 61 million shares, versus $8.78 on 66 million shares for second-quarter 2022. Comparable-store sales jumped 9% year-over-year. “Team O’Reilly’s commitment to providing consistently excellent customer service drove robust double-digit professional and solid DIY comparable-store sales growth in the quarter,” O’Reilly CEO Greg Johnson said in a news release. “I want to congratulate our over 88,000 dedicated team members on their incredible performance in the second quarter and express my sincere appreciation for their relentless focus on delivering industry-leading service to our customers each and every day.” Sales for the first six months of 2023 increased 12% to $7.78 billion compared to the first six months of 2022. “The strong top-line performance we delivered through the first half of the year exceeded our expectations, and we remain pleased with our performance thus far in July,” Johnson said. “We believe the core underlying demand drivers of our industry remain solid, and more importantly, we remain confident in our team’s ability to consistently execute our proven dual market strategy and expand our market share.” The year-to-date results “and continued robust sales trends” prompted O’Reilly to boost its full-year comparable-store sales guidance from a range of 4% to 6% to a range of 5% to 7%. New DC in Mexico So far in 2023, O’Reilly has opened 100 net new stores across 34 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Mexico and is on pace to meet the company’s goal of opening 180 to 190 net new store openings this year, according to Johnson. In July, O’Reilly opened its first distribution center in Mexico. “This new, 370,000-square-foot facility strengthens our existing store network with enhanced inventory availability, empowering higher service levels and establishing the critical foundation for long-term store growth in Mexico,” Johnson said. The post O’Reilly Reports 11% Increase in Q2 Sales appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Auto Care Association announced the addition of Jennifer Keaton as its new director of government affairs. Keaton will work within a four-person department advocating on behalf of the automotive aftermarket with federal and state legislators as well as relevant regulatory agencies. Her role is critical in ensuring the management of state legislation and regulations impacting the auto care industry, the association noted. “We are very pleased to have Jennifer joining the Auto Care team,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “Her years of hands-on Hill experience will be invaluable to our industry as we face increased regulations and restrictions on vehicle data access. She is a quick study and has already proven to be a great asset to our team.” Prior to joining the Auto Care Association, Keaton was vice president of congressional affairs at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For 10 years, Keaton worked on Capitol Hill as legislative director for Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy (Ohio), senior legislative assistant for Rep. Carolyn Maloney (N.Y.), and legislative aide for Rep. Ron Klink (Pa.). Keaton, a Pittsburgh native, received her undergraduate degrees in political science and international studies and a master’s in international affairs from Washington, D.C.’s American University. As the association is the voice of the auto care industry, Keaton said she is “honored and excited to advocate for the industry, especially on the critical issue of right to repair.” Visit autocare.org/government-relations for more information on the association’s advocacy and government-affairs initiatives. The post Auto Care Adds Jennifer Keaton to Lead Government Affairs appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Litens Aftermarket recently introduced 18 new SKUs to its product lineup, consisting of pulleys, belt tensioners and overrunning alternator decoupler (OAD) pulleys. The new SKUs represent an increase in coverage for more than 9.2 million additional vehicles in operation (VIO), including more than 310,000 2023-model vehicles. The portfolio additions are for late-model Ford, Hyundai, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Jeep, Chevrolet and Toyota vehicles. Litens now offers more than 900 pulleys, belt tensioners and overrunning alternator decoupler pulleys, with SKUs covering more than 275 million VIO, according to the company. “Our continuous expansion of belt-drive products demonstrates our ongoing commitment to maintaining our position as the global leader in this product category,” said John Lussier, president of Litens Aftermarket. “Litens is the world’s largest OE supplier of belt-tensioning products, and we pride ourselves on being first-to-market in the aftermarket.” For more information, visit the Litens Aftermarket website. The post Litens Adds 18 New Belt-Drive SKUs appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Anchor industries continues to support the aftermarket with late model coverage. This month, the company highlights additional late model Honda coverage. The eight part numbers represent a small sampling of many of the late model part numbers that are in stock and available for immediate delivery. Covering over 2,971,550 applications and model years 2016-2023, these parts numbers represent excellent sales opportunities, the company states. For more information, visit anchor-online.com The post Anchor Adds More Honda Coverage appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Of all the different mounts on a vehicle, the most attention is given to engine and transmission mounts. Why? Because they cause the most noticeable symptoms when they go bad, and they go bad the most often. But why do they fail? The answer lies in what they are and what they do. A mount is nothing more than a specific component that secures one item to another. However, what separates a mount from a bracket, for example, is its ability to prevent vibration transfer between the two components. In the case of an engine or transmission mount, they isolate vibration transfer to the vehicle frame, as well as dampen the movement of the powertrain. This makes vehicle operation smoother for the driver, but the necessity of them is greater than just comfort. They also prevent the fatigue and cracking of metal – an occurrence that would be commonplace if engines were bolted directly to the frames. It takes no wild guess to figure out that rubber is the material responsible for it all. Take a piece of rubber, bond it between two pieces of metal, and you have a mount. So, getting down to it, here’s why they fail. Age Rubber weakens with age, just like it does on tires. Now think of the force that’s exerted on an engine mount every time you accelerate. The torque of the engine attempts to twist it, pulling and stretching on one mount and pushing and collapsing another. Do this over and over again thousands of times and it’s impressive that these mounts last as long as they do. Sometimes the rubber just tears. Other times it separates from one of the metal plates that it’s bonded or secured to. Some mounts may not tear or separate, based on their enclosed design, but the rubber can shrink or become distorted, allowing for excessive movement. It’s all just about age and use. It just happens. Contamination Rubber and oil don’t like each other much. Oil degrades the integrity of the rubber, causing it to soften and swell. Oil contamination is common on engine or transmission mounts due to engine-oil or transmission-fluid leaks. Eventually, the rubber tears or separates, but prematurely compared to the normal lifespan of a mount. The ultimate cause is the oil leak. If a customer is replacing a mount that’s soaked with oil, the oil leak should be addressed at the same time, or the new mount will quickly begin to degrade. Abuse Engine and transmission mounts are designed to withstand the normal use any given vehicle is designed for. Abuse comes from repeated hard acceleration or launches. “Power” braking a vehicle to prepare for a hard launch is another example. If a vehicle is modified to increase the power, this is more than the mounts were designed to handle and they can quickly be destroyed. To combat this problem, many solutions have been used over the years to limit engine movement. A common “old-school” trick on muscle cars was to install a chain between the engine block and frame, and yes, we all did it, as silly as it might have looked! Racers looked to solid engine mounts or engine plates to keep all that horsepower in check. Of course, that’s the extreme, and the development of polyurethane offers an in-between solution. Polyurethane is stronger than rubber and can handle more abuse, making these types of mounts very common for performance applications. But they don’t dampen vibration as well, so be prepared to sacrifice comfort. Misalignment A common but often overlooked cause is improper installation. Every mount has a specific procedure that should be followed for installation, allowing it to sit in its natural state when at rest. When these procedures aren’t followed, a mount can end up twisted or distorted at rest, which will lead to premature failure. Active Engine Mounts Active engine mounts are any that can vary the amount of dampening they provide, depending on engine speed. They utilize hydraulic fluid internally and either electric or vacuum control. When these go bad, it’s usually caused by aging rubber that cracks, allowing the hydraulic fluid to leak out. But, it also can be caused by a problem with the vacuum or electric controls. It may sound weird for someone to say, “My engine mount is leaking.” But, if they have an active engine mount, they may be right!. The post Why Mounts Fail appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Business Technology Council (BTC), a council under MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, announced that the deadline to apply for its Technology Innovation Award has been extended to Friday, Aug. 18. The award recognizes technology-solution/service providers that introduce innovations that support, enhance and/or advance aftermarket processes. Technology innovations must support one of the BTC’s areas of focus. These types of technologies can include: Customer-Facing Technologies – Cataloging and product data, EDI/e-commerce, mobile, web services, e-tailing, RFID, QR codes, bar codes, POS data, data warehouses, S&OP Information Technologies – Cyber and network security, big data, BI, data analytics, cloud computing, IT outsourcing, ERP, MES, CRM After the application-submission deadline, finalists will be notified on Aug. 31. The finalists then will present their innovations during the BTC fall meeting on Sept. 18, and BTC members will vote on the winner. The winner of the award will be announced at the 2023 Technology Conference, Oct. 8-12 in Atlanta. Past winners of the award include Dorman’s “Where to Buy” platform (2022), VizSeek’s Visual Search (2021) and OptiCat’s Automated Loadsheets (2020). “We have received an incredible response so far for the Technology Innovation Award and wanted to ensure everyone had ample time to get their applications in,” said Chris Gardner, senior vice president of Programs & Technology at MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, about the decision to extend the application deadline. “We look forward to reviewing the applications and recognizing the top innovation.” To apply, visit the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers website. The post MEMA Extends Deadline for Technology Innovation Award appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

ADVICS, a member of the AISIN Group of companies, has expanded its brake-pad offerings with five new ADVICS OE brake pads. This expansion adds coverage for approximately 5 million vehicles in operation to the existing product offering. All five of the new brake-pad part numbers are original equipment, with coverage for 2019-2023 model-year Toyota and Lexus-brand vehicles. “We consistently develop new offerings for our customers and are delighted to announce additional coverage for Toyota and Lexus models,” said Larrow Kaufman, senior manager for sales and marketing, Aisin Aftermarket North America. “All five part numbers are now ready for shipment.” For more information about ADVICS and its advanced braking technology, visit http://advicsaftermarket.com. The post ADVICS Releases New Toyota, Lexus Brake Pads appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Niterra North America, formerly NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), announced that it is expanding its coverage of spark plugs and ignition coils and adding 15 new part numbers to its line of spark plugs. The new part numbers, sold under the company’s NGK brand of spark plugs, represent an increase in coverage for more than 6.5 million domestic and foreign vehicles in operation (VIO). Niterra also has added 12.9 million VIO of spark plug coverage and 10.6 million VIO of ignition-coil carry-forward coverage to its catalog. “The 15 new spark plug numbers fit a variety of 2012-2021 model vehicles across a broad spectrum of high-volume applications, many of them utilizing high-ignitability and precious metal technology designs,” said Mark Boyle, general manager – product OE & AM for Niterra North America. “NGK Spark Plugs is committed to application-coverage leadership and supplying service providers with our latest OEM technology, and we are excited to extend our category-leading spark plug designs and ignition-coil technologies into the aftermarket through these applications.” For more details about Niterra and the NGK spark plug and NTK product brands, visit ngksparkplugs.com. The post Niterra Adds More Coverage for Spark Plugs, Ignition Coils appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article