Counterman

Advance Auto Parts, the “Official Auto Parts Retailer of NASCAR,” received the 2022 Marketing Achievement Award at the NASCAR Industry Awards Reception during NASCAR Champion’s Week in Nashville. In its third season as an official partner, Advance has demonstrated its commitment to grassroots racing, supporting drivers and tracks in local communities across the United States and Canada. The entitlement partner of the Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series (NAAPWS), Advance most recently partnered with the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Combine, developing new storytelling opportunities and helping to livestream the event for the first time in program history. “Advance Auto Parts is very honored to receive this award,” said Jason McDonell, executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and e-commerce at Advance. “Since becoming a partner of NASCAR, our team has been focused on supporting grassroots racing through programs like Advance My Track Challenge and the Drive for Diversity Combine. As the official auto parts retailer of NASCAR, we look forward to our continued partnership, leading programs that advance local racing while serving as the auto parts provider of choice for race fans.” For a second season, Advance promoted the “Advance My Track Challenge,” focusing on local racetracks and communities to raise awareness of and celebrate grassroots racing. Through a consumer voting program, the organization awarded Jennerstown Speedway a $50,000 prize, distributing 6,000 tickets to local Advance stores for free admission to the speedway’s celebration event. The program generated more than 220,000 impressions on NASCAR.com and NASCAR social media channels. “Since becoming an official partner, Advance Auto Parts has been a big supporter of grassroots racing, raising awareness of local racing communities and providing young drivers with the opportunity to showcase their talent,” said Michelle Byron, vice president, partnership marketing at NASCAR. “After recently wrapping the 2022 Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine, we’re thrilled to see what’s next as they continue to find creative ways to grow their presence in the sport.” After introducing a new brand campaign in June with its No. 1 fan Ed Vance, Advance hosted Ed at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway and captured live content with him throughout the weekend. In a matter of months, Ed quickly began to be recognized at tracks, becoming a staple character among race fans. Closing out the year, Advance served as the primary sponsor of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Combine, continuing to expand its presence in the sport. Advance was on-site throughout the event, capturing content as drivers prepared for and participated in the combine. Through its sponsorship, the company gave NASCAR the ability to evaluate additional drivers for the combine as the league also selected additional winners compared to previous years. This is the first time Advance has been awarded the NASCAR Marketing Achievement Award. Previous winners include Anheuser-Busch, Comcast; Coca-Cola; Fox Sports and NBC Sports; Mars, Incorporated; Mobil 1; and Toyota. The post Advance Receives 2022 NASCAR Marketing Achievement Award appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Photo caption, left to right: Grant Kitching, president; Adam Fell, director of marketing; Bob Dunfield, Hirsig Frazier; Brad Schenk, VP of sales; and Frank Frederick, VP general manager Walker Products exhibited at this year’s AAPEX show with a fresh new look and approach. “Our re-energized approach provided a very successful show for closing new business opportunities this year,” said Adam Fell, director of marketing. Walker also carried this enthusiasm through to celebrating a time-honored tradition within the organization: its annual Manufacturers Rep of the Year award. “Walker Products makes a big deal with our Rep of the Year award,” stated Brad Schenk, VP of sales. “We have manufacturers reps all around the world who tell us day in and day out that they are working to win ‘The Rep Belt.’” At the opening of show hours on Wednesday, Nov. 2, the Walker Team announced this year’s award winner: Bob Dunfield of Hirsig Frazier Co. in Richardson, Texas. “Walker Products recognizes the extraordinary level of commitment to Walker Products that Bob displays,” Schenk said. “Going beyond the sale is an understatement when it comes to Bob Dunfield. Exceptional field support, customer follow-through and marketing intelligence are just a few examples of how Bob goes beyond the call of duty. We are very grateful to have Bob on the Walker Team and look forward to many more successful years with him and the Hirsig Frazier organization.” The post Walker Products Announces Manufacturers Rep Of The Year appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

NRS Brakes has added 18 new part numbers to its lineup of galvanized premium brake pads. The brake pads cover 11.7 million vehicles, spanning 2003-2022 Ford, Jeep, Nissan, Infiniti, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia and Audi models. Coverage includes the 2019-2022 Genesis G70, 2018-2022 Kia Stinger and 2021-2022 Ford F-150. The brake kits also include abutment hardware and caliper piston cushions. Canadian-made premium galvanized brake pads from NRS Brakes have a technology that you can see. Galvanized steel incorporates PACE-award-winning, patented NRS friction-attachment technology. “The result is the world’s quietest, safest and longest-lasting brake pads,” according to the company. “Galvanized steel that outlasts the friction, ensuring it won’t fail as a result of corrosion-material delamination from the backing plate, giving you a license to feel SAFE!” The post NRS Brakes Adds 18 New Part Numbers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Ford modular engine builders now can indulge in their quest for more power with the introduction of MAHLE Motorsport’s new Ford 5-liter Modular Coyote PowerPak piston set for 2018+ engines. This piston set is designed to lower the compression ratio to 10.4 to 1 to allow for power adders for those who want to build a high-horsepower Coyote build. The pistons are dual-coated with phosphate and MAHLE’s proprietary GRAFAL coating for reduced drag and wear. This set features hard anodized top ring grooves for maximum durability for extreme-duty applications, and comes complete with a 1.0 mm, 1.0 mm, 2.0 mm file fit performance ring set, and 0.177 wall pins each weighing 118 grams. The piston compression height is 1.167, and the weight is 383 grams. The slipper skirt forged piston set utilizes a low silicon 2618 alloy for high load, high stress applications. For more information about MAHLE Motorsport’s Ford Coyote PowerPak set (part No. 930258762), visit the MAHLE Motorsport booth No. 1601 at the 2022 PRI Show, view this video, visit MahleMotorsports.com or call MAHLE Motorsport toll free at 888-255-1942. The post MAHLE Motorsport Unveils Ford Modular Coyote PowerPak Piston Set appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) board of trustees has elected its officers for fiscal-year 2023. The board held an official confirmation vote during its Oct. 29 meeting in Las Vegas. The approved slate of officers is as follows: Chairman – Robert Egan, MAAP, Egan & Associates Senior Vice Chairman – John R. Washbish, MAAP, president and CEO, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Vice Chairman – Larry Pavey, AAP, CEO, Automotive Parts Services Group Treasurer – William Maggs, MAAP, executive vice president, supply chain, Parts Authority Secretary – Roger McCollum, AAP, CEO, N.A. Williams Co. Chairman Emeritus – Rusty Bishop, AAP, leadership advisor, Federated Auto Parts Executive Director – Jennifer Tio, AAP, president, Maximum Marketing Services Inc. The following Lifetime Trustee representatives will serve on the University of the Aftermarket Foundation board of trustees in the coming year: Mohammed Al Fayyad, ACDelco Michelle Allen, Valvoline William Babcox, AAP, Babcox Media Inc. Richard Beirne, MAAP, Richard and Lisa Beirne Jason Best, First Brands Group Marc Blackman, Gold Eagle Jeff Blocher, Mann + Hummel MHFT Michael C. Buzzard, AAP, The Clay Buzzard Family Mike Carr, CARDONE Industries Jeff Darby, Dorman Products Inc. Chris Gardner, MAAP, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association Duncan Gillis, BBB Industries LLC Todd Hack, MAAP, Mevotech Bill Hanvey, MAAP, Auto Care Association Tim Hardin, Epicor Software Corporation Todd Hertzler, Robert Bosch, LLC Tina Hubbard, HDA Truck Pride Pete Kornafel, MAAP Jeffrey E. Koviak, AAP, Tenneco Fletcher Lord III, AAP, Parts Warehouse/Crow-Burlingame Paul McCarthy, MAAP, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association Rollie Olson, Rollie & Gayle Olson and Family Mark O’Leary, SPS Commerce Heather Preu, MAM Software Group, Inc. Chris Pruitt, East Penn Manufacturing and Flicker/Langdon/Pruitt Jacqueline Rodriguez, Parts Authority Robert Roos, The Pronto Network Ryan Samuels, AWDA Rick Schwartz, The Schwartz Family Robert M. Segal, MAAP, Sanel NAPA/The Segal Family Eric Sills, AAP, Standard Motor Products Bill Stroupe, KIAWA Education Foundation Tom Tecklenburg, AAP, Dayco Products LLC Jessica Toliuszis, Women in Auto Care Chuck Udell, MAAP, Morris/Rupp McCartney Education Trust of APSA Several more industry professionals will serve UAF in a variety of support roles, including Mike Blawas, audit committee; Anne Coffin, grants manager; Ryan Devine, MiX representative; Ted Hughes, AWDA liaison; George Keeley, legal counsel; Jacki Lutz, YANG representative; Ken Marker, investment advisor; Nathan Perrine, comptroller; Joe Stephan, marketing committee; and Casey Ventrillo, investment advisor. The University of the Aftermarket Foundation is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. To make a donation, visit UofA-Foundation.org. To learn about available scholarships, and to apply online, visit AutomotiveScholarships.com or HeavyDutyScholarships.com. The post UAF Announces Officers, Trustees For 2023 appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

While the premise of a vehicle with no steering wheel and no human driver is not something the motoring public is quite ready for, the case for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is strong. In October, automaker Ford posted a third-quarter loss of $827 million, and said it was largely due to its self-driving tech partner Argo AI going under. That same month, J.D. Power and Associates released a study that showed consumer understanding of automated vehicles is rife with misinformation. On paper, one can make a pretty practical case for autonomous driving – the most obvious benefit being that it could potentially increase road safety and eliminate traffic deaths. Additional justification lies in the ability to reduce collision insurance claims and increase independence for certain populations who are currently limited in their options for safe and reliable transportation – such as the elderly and disabled. However, as real-world testing begins, the technology is encountering some pretty significant roadbumps, and consumer understanding of the technology isn’t belying the confidence to make the mass adoption of fully automated vehicles a realistic possibility any time soon. The recent J.D. Power study found 65% of consumers surveyed were unable to accurately define fully automated, self-driving vehicles. Plus, 56% of respondents incorrectly classified the driver-assist technologies available today as fully automated, self-driving technologies. The survey hints that consumers are lagging in understanding as well as preparation for higher levels of automation. The current system for classifying levels of automated driving was established by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Ranging from 0-5, the SAE levels run the gamut from Level 0 where the driver is fully responsible for the vehicle’s operation and supervision of the technology on the car at all times, to Level 5, which gives complete control of the vehicle to the operating system itself and requires no human supervision at all. At this time, there are no Level 3-5 autonomous vehicles on the road today, according to J.D. Power. Today, the most widely used safety technology on vehicles on roads today would be considered Level 2 – which would include such things as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – automatic emergency braking (AEB), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), lane assist, parking assist, driver drowsiness detection, gaze detection, etc. These technologies provide partial automation by taking over control in specific situations – such as turning a corner too fast, or coming to close to a vehicle in front of you. In 2008, ESC systems became mandated by NHTSA on all new vehicles by 2011. All automakers are currently participating in a voluntary commitment to make AEB standard on all vehicles as well. In a recent webinar hosted by Reason Foundation, Brookings Institution and Princeton Autonomous Vehicle Engineering, several experts on AVs shared their thoughts on the subject, hoping to correct some of the common misconceptions and inject a dose of realism into the public debates surrounding autonomous vehicle technology. One of the three speakers, Alan Kornhauser, professor, Operations Research and Financial Engineering, and faculty chair of Autonomous Vehicle Engineering at Princeton University, said he believes ADAS should be mandated. “ADAS is focused purely on safety,” said Kornhauser. “It’s on all the time, and it overrides drivers only to avoid getting into a crash situation. We’ve had a number of these systems in our vehicles for a long time. As long as we’re not using the brakes inappropriately, they just work the way we want. Otherwise, the system takes over and doesn’t allow you to lock your wheels. Same thing with electronic stability control. You can go around corners just fine. You go around too fast, all of a sudden, the system takes over and makes sure that you don’t lose your rear end. And maybe one of the most successful of these systems is reverse automated braking systems so that if you back up and there happens to be a child behind your car, the car stops. “This has enormous implication on insurance because in fact, if there is no crash, then there’s no insurance that needs to be paid out. There’s no lawyer, there’s no ambulance, there’s no medical payments that have to be paid,” Kornhauser added. When it comes to seeing federal or state regulations that could pave the way for more fully autonomous (i.e., driverless) cars on the road, Marc Scribner, senior transportation policy analyst at Reason Foundation, believes we aren’t quite there yet. Having consistent, published technical standards may be one of the bigger roadblocks, he said. “Automated vehicle regulation is not going to occur in the near term,” said Scribner. “I think the delay is, in part, due to the lack of published voluntary consensus standards that may be ripe for regulatory incorporation. But, there also seems to be generally, at least so far [in] this administration, perhaps less enthusiasm for automated driving systems than the previous two administrations. But, I do think the lack of published technical standards that could be incorporated into regulation is a hurdle. Where federal regulators are silent, states may act instead. States and locals have primary authority over vehicle operations and infrastructure management. They own the roads; they manage the roads. They license drivers, they register vehicles. All of that kind of thing goes in with the vehicles actually out there in the real world,” said Scribner. The post Making The Case For ADAS appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Lumileds is launching a new line of powerful LED-upgrade retrofits for fog light and powersports headlights. With automotive-grade LEDs that produce a cool-color temperature of up to 6,000 K, Philips UltinonSport LEDs provide “incredibly bright white light” and durable, long-lasting performance for snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs and other off-road vehicles, according to the company. These LED solutions allow users to better illuminate the path ahead, detect obstacles faster and deliver a safer driving and riding experience. The new Philips UltinonSport LED line includes 12 SKUs and is compatible with both 12-volt and 24-volt electrical systems. “Our new UltinonSport LED line helps drivers and riders find their next adventure,” said Aubry Baugh, Lumileds product manager. “These bulbs feature the latest in LED technology and are backed by the quality, safety, and reliability that Philips bulbs have been built on for over 100 years. They deliver brilliant illumination for roadways, trails, beaches, and backroads. Their advanced technology provides exceptional service lifetime, and their extremely compact size allows for an easy installation.” To ensure long lifetime and optimal performance, the UltinonSport LED bulbs feature Philips “AirCool” technology with two types of heat dissipation. A built-in fan helps to actively cool the LED and electronics, while an aluminum heat sink further dissipates heat and maximizes airflow around the components. The durable construction and improved heat transfer means that UltinonSport LED bulbs deliver a lifetime of up to 2000 hours. The Philips UltinonSport LED-upgrade retrofit bulbs are available for 9003, 9005/9006, 9007, 9008, 9145, H1, H3, H7, H8/H16, H11 and PS24W for off-road and fog-light applications. Each Philips UltinonSport LED package contains two bulbs. For more information, email [email protected]. The post <strong>Lumileds Unveils LED-Upgrade Retrofits For Offroad Vehicles</strong> appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Counterman’s “Guess the Car” contest challenges our readers to solve an automotive riddle, for a chance to win $100. And each month, we receive hundreds of responses from aftermarket professionals trying to guess the model of the vehicle depicted. The correct answer for the October/November contest is the AMC Javelin. The winner is George Widmer IV, an ASE P2-certified parts pro at Parts Authority in Norcross, Georgia. Now, let’s get to know the “Guess the Car” champion. CM: How long have you been working in the auto parts business? GW: Since 2001. I started off as a stock clerk my junior year of high school and I worked my way up from there. CM: What do you like most about your job? GW: The interaction with customers. Building a relationship with our regular customers and dealing with the general public. CM: What’s the strangest question a customer has asked you? GW: I had a customer asking for the Firebird emblem for a ‘77 Trans Am. He was restoring it, and [the emblem] was old and it was peeling off. He just happened to call us up. I told him we didn’t have anything like that here, but I’ll see if I can get one. I outsourced one and got it for him. He’s been a customer ever since for the last three years. CM: What’s the coolest car you’ve ever owned or worked on? GW: My dad was a technician for a Pontiac dealer for 30 years. I would say the coolest car I’ve ever owned was my first vehicle, which was a 1986 Chevy S-10 pickup that we customized. We lowered it, painted it, put 18-inch wheels on it, added a custom stereo, and it was all done by me and him. It was a father-son bonding kind of thing that was really special. CM: Do you have any interesting hobbies? What do you do for fun? GW: I’m a big video gamer, and I collect model cars and model trains. I’m a devoted fan of NHRA; I’ve been to eight different tracks and I’m looking forward to attending a ninth track in 2023. I’m also a world history and football/soccer reader. CM: What’s your dream car? GW: We’ll go with my top two. The first one would be a 1971 Pontiac Trans Am in cameo white. The second one would be a 1956 Porsche Speedster in polyantha red; that’s an extremely rare color. The Pontiac was because my dad worked at a Pontiac dealership, and I’ve always had an interest in air-cooled Porches and Volkswagens. The post Meet The ‘Guess The Car’ Champ: George Widmer IV appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts reported third-quarter net sales of $2.6 billion, a 0.8% increase over third-quarter 2021. Comparable-store sales decreased 0.7%, which Advance attributed to “increased owned-brand penetration, which has a lower price point than national brands.” “I want to thank the entire family of Advance team members as well as our growing network of independent partners for their continued dedication,” Tom Greco, president and CEO, said in a news release. “We continue to execute our strategy to drive full year net sales growth and adjusted operating income margin expansion while returning excess cash to shareholders.” Greco noted that Advance’s “deliberate move to increase owned-brand penetration, which carries a lower price point, reduced net sales by approximately 80 basis points and comp sales by approximately 90 basis points. We also continued to invest in our business while returning approximately $860 million in cash to our shareholders through the first three quarters of 2022.” The company reiterated its full-year guidance of net sales between $11 billion and $11.2 billion. “While we continue to execute against our long-term strategic plan, we’re not satisfied with our relative topline performance versus the industry this year and are taking measured, deliberate actions to accelerate growth,” Greco said. The post Advance Auto Parts Reports Q3 Net Sales Of $2.6 Billion appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Quick struts, loaded struts, strut plus – there are many names on the market for a complete strut assembly, with different brands assigning their own catchy term to their version of the product. I don’t have a preference, although any time I hear the term “loaded,” I immediately think of a baked potato. I picture a piping-hot spud, covered in melted cheese, bacon bits, sour cream and chives, so maybe that’s my favorite one. Did I grow up in the fast-food generation or what? So, what’s in a name? Loaded – in baked-potato terms – meant you were getting it all, and in the case of struts, it means the same thing. In the June 2022 issue of Counterman, I dug into the difference between shocks and struts. If you read the article, you’ll remember that terminology was a big part of it, and it’s always been one of the more challenging facets of selling parts. The same thing can have multiple different names, depending on the manufacturer, or the technician working on the car. The term strut is a reference to the main component in a MacPherson-strut suspension design. The strut itself is the suspension spring and shock absorber assembled together as a unit, which also includes mounting bushings, spring insulators and turn bearings. Replacing a bad component in a strut assembly requires a special coil-spring compressor, so the unit can be safely disassembled. By definition, the individual parts only made a strut when they were all assembled, but over time, just the shock absorber itself came to be known as the strut. I speculate this was primarily to provide an accurate description of what we were looking for – to differentiate the fact we were working on a strut suspension as opposed to a “traditional” upper-lower A-arm design. So, you could argue that a “loaded” strut is a contradiction of terms, but it really doesn’t matter. Who cares what we call things, right! As long as we get our customers the right stuff! Emergence of the Assembled Strut Before the common availability of a complete strut assembly, replacing a bad component in a strut required a coil-spring compressor so the unit could be safely disassembled. It was far more labor-intensive, and you always had to use caution working with the coil spring. Typically, a bad shock absorber was the component that was being replaced. But, technicians often discovered that one of the other components such as a bushing or bearing would show considerable wear upon disassembly. Nobody wants to reassemble something with worn parts, but since many of the components weren’t considered “normal” service items, we’d often have to wait a day or two to get them. This, of course, made for an inefficient repair, but it’s not the ultimate reason that assembled struts became popular. When strut suspension systems first became popular, they were used on small, lightweight front-wheel-drive vehicles. As a result, the coil springs rarely wore out or broke, and the only component that went bad a lot was the shock absorber itself, so it was common to disassemble the strut just to replace the shock. As the strut-suspension design became more popular and the many advantages of it became clear, it quickly found its way onto full-size sedans and trucks. All of a sudden, the struts were no longer holding up meager economy cars, and we began to see broken coil springs, worn bearings and strut mounts and worn spring insulators, on top of worn shocks. Almost every time you disassembled a strut, you found that all the components needed to be replaced. Stocking all the different strut components for every make and model was unrealistic on one hand, but necessary on the other, and the idea of offering a completely assembled strut was a welcome revelation. Limited at first to a few of the most common models, the idea took off quickly, and now there’s an impressive list of coverage. The Assembled-Strut Advantage The advantages for a counter professional, a technician or a DIYer can be summed up the same way for all of us: It’s simply easier. Technicians prefer them, and almost always ask for them first. DIYers may not be familiar with them, so as a counter professional, you may have to explain the advantages. Safety might be No. 1. There’s no danger involved when you don’t have to compress and remove the coil spring, and it saves on the tool too, which a DIYer will either need to borrow or buy. Even though it’s possible that purchasing a single component such as a shock absorber or coil spring may be less expensive, the process of building or assembling the strut is where the biggest hurdle can arise. Overall, there aren’t too many different pieces involved, but there are almost always some types of spacers and washers. Placement is critical, and it’s easy to make mistakes or lose one of the small components without realizing it. You can end up with a strut that rattles excessively or, in the case of a front strut, binds up during turns. Purchasing an assembled strut eliminates the possibility of any of these problems. As a technician or service advisor, we can represent the advantage of time savings, which translates to less labor charged to the customer. In addition, the advantage of all-new components allows us to guarantee proper performance, no noise or rattles, and a longer-term repair. If you replace only one component in the interest of saving money, perhaps another one of the strut components goes bad a few months down the road. You’re no longer saving money at this point. Drawbacks? I’d like to say no, but instead I’ll say no … with exceptions. Overall, assembled struts make sense. But it’s a good idea to consider what they’re going on. As with many components, there are economy versions and top-of-the-line versions. It’s an undeniable fact that the economy versions won’t last the same amount of time as the original OE strut on any vehicle. Of course, you won’t represent them as a poor-quality part to your customer, but you can represent your top-of-the-line as higher-quality, longer-lasting and better-performing, then let your customer make the decision. On older vehicles where cost and a safe level of operation are the primary concerns, economy struts may make the most sense. The flip side is vehicles that still have many years left on the road, and it’s always a good idea to recommend the highest quality in these situations. The fact of the matter is that struts affect the safety, handling and braking of a vehicle. It’s a difference that can be easily noticeable, and the more performance-oriented the vehicle, the easier it will be to notice the difference between high- and low-quality struts. I mentioned that technicians prefer assembled struts, and we know the advantages they offer. But, we also know that we can make more money on our labor installing them. It’s quick and easy for us, so we’ll end up ahead of the flat-rate time. Even though we get more time for rebuilding a strut, it usually takes us all the allotted time, so we lose our flat-rate advantage. This can be a sticky point for some technicians, but an assembled strut isn’t always the best choice. A perfect example would be a high-end European vehicle. These are cars that handle very well, and the owners expect this type of performance. I’ve seen cases where assembled struts are available, but the performance just isn’t up to par with the OE equipment. Regardless of make, when it’s a performance-oriented vehicle, it’s important to ask questions to determine your customers’ expectation. Though there are times when these cars can be just as old and beat-up as any other, and maybe the owner is just looking for an economical repair, if you suspect they’re looking for a high level of performance, recommend that they use OE parts, which in most cases means getting each piece individually from the dealer. As a counter professional, you don’t want to lose sales and refer someone away from buying what you offer. But, in a situation like this, it’s the trust and rapport that you build with the customer that’s important. The same customer with a high-end vehicle may have multiple other vehicles they’re responsible for maintaining – for example, their children’s cars – and if you always point them in the right direction, a lost sale one day can mean multiple sales the next. A Few More Details Struts always should be replaced in pairs. Do you have to? Technically, no, and I’m sure you’ve already had customers who only buy one. But it’s the same theory with brakes. Only replacing one side means you’ll have unequal performance side-to-side, and as we all know, if one side wears out, the other isn’t too far behind. An alignment always should be checked anytime the struts are replaced. Whenever the suspension, front or rear, is disassembled in any manner, the possibility of affecting the alignment exists, and in the case of struts, ride height could change slightly when going from worn coil springs to new ones. When the strut is a bolt-on design, it’s a good idea to advise your customer to pay attention to the bolts, especially if they’re camber bolts. Marking their location gives you a good reference for installing the new strut, keeping the alignment as close as possible. That makes the alignment easier, and is much better if the vehicle needs to be driven to an alignment shop. Upsells My favorite add-ons for strut work are caliper hangers, bungee cords, nylon wire ties and penetrating oil. During removal, you’ll often run across brake hoses and ABS harnesses that are secured to the strut via a small bracket. The bolts are usually small, and penetrating oil usually is the trick to keep them from breaking. After detaching any hoses or brackets, it’s a good idea to secure them out of the way. The struts are heavy and awkward, and this helps you avoid snagging them as you wrestle the strut out of the fender well. When the strut is disconnected from the steering knuckle, the suspension naturally will want to drop. In some cases, it doesn’t or doesn’t drop much, but you should be aware of the possibility, and securing it up with a caliper hanger or bungee cords will prevent it from pulling down on the brake hoses and ABS wiring. Finally, when you have the strut out, it’s a good time to look closely at CV boots. Many cars require separating the strut from the knuckle to remove a CV shaft, and if you’re in there already, it’s the perfect time to do it. The post Loaded Struts: What’s In A Name? appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Women in Auto Care, a community of the Auto Care Association, is accepting applications for positions on its leadership committee in 2023. Women in Auto Care provides opportunities, education and career leadership in the auto industry through conferences, networking, scholarships, education, data, awards and more. The volunteers who comprise the Leadership Committee participate in awarding scholarships, help in planning an annual conference and auction, social media, awards, sponsorship, mentoring and engagement. These positions require a time commitment of 1-2 hours per week and participation in Women in Auto Care Events. Each position is for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2023. The deadline to apply is Dec. 16. To apply, click here. Interested in volunteering, but not sure about taking on a leadership role? Help support the community by becoming a Champion! Women in Auto Care Champions have exclusive opportunities to help support our key initiatives through “micro volunteering” efforts. Champions earn insight and exposure to the committee and meet volunteer requirements for certifications, such as ACP. The post Leadership Positions Available With Women In Auto Care appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) recently recognized Franchelle Thomas of NGK Spark Plugs (USA) with the 2022 AASA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Individual Award. Thomas, director of culture, communication & people for NGK, received the award on Nov. 2 at AAPEX in Las Vegas. “We are proud to announce the annual AASA Individual DEI award, with the purpose of recognizing an influential leader in the automotive aftermarket that supports and represents the core values of diversity, equity, & inclusion,” said Ben Brucato, vice president of engagement, AASA. “Franchelle embodies the spirit of this award, challenging our industry to be forward thinking and retaining and attracting talent from all backgrounds and walks of life. Her work and dedication to DE&I makes the industry stronger and more resilient. We applaud her efforts that affect real change.” As an alumnus of Northwestern University and the University of Illinois, Thomas holds degrees in both philosophy and business. In her career, she has held leadership roles in healthcare, education and insurance, but found her love of all things in human resources. She is a certified professional in human resources and a longtime member of the Society of Human Resources Management. Thomas has been invited to present HR topics to a variety of private- and public-sector employers, and her writing has been published in a series of HR publications such as HR Bulletin, HR Hero and the Society of Human Resources. Thomas has served as an advisor on employment issues with Michigan State University and several not-for-profit organizations. “I am honored to be selected to receive this award from AASA,” Thomas said. “I believe at its core, diversity, equity and inclusion creates a space for all to be successful. AASA has championed the aftermarket industry’s success for many years. People, especially in our industry today, are an integral part of that success. I am delighted to stand alongside them in this endeavor.” Ben Brucato took the stage to name Thomas as the 2022 AASA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Individual Award winner. Also honored during the award presentation was MOTOR Information Systems, which was awarded the AASA DEI Leadership Award (Company) and Eric Sills, president and chief executive officer at Standard Motor Products (SMP), who was named the 2022 AASA Advocacy Champion. The post NGK’s Franchelle Thomas Receives AASA DEI Award appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Parts Authority, one of the largest distributors of automotive and truck parts to the aftermarket, held its vendor-appreciation reception and award ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 2, during Industry Week in Las Vegas. The event took place at the TAO Asian Bistro and Nightclub in the Venetian Hotel. “Our vendor reception finally returned after a small hiatus,” said Randy Buller, president and CEO of Parts Authority. “We couldn’t be happier to have hosted such a spectacular ceremony honoring phenomenal companies and exceptional partners. We are lucky to work with great leaders in the industry who are dedicated and committed to the success of our company. Congratulations and thank you from all of us at Parts Authority.” Parts Authority started the evening by recognizing Highline Warren (pictured) as its 2022 Supplier of the Year. Highline Warren, one of the nation’s premier suppliers of automotive chemicals and products, was recognized for its overall outstanding business practices, partnership and dedication to Parts Authority and its customers. FCS Automotive and TrakMotive received the Partnership Award, recognizing their efforts and willingness to find innovative methods that fuel both Parts Authority’s and their own organizations’ growth. Durago and Mevotech received Supply Chain Awards. These vendors maintained a strong and steady supply chain despite challenging circumstances, Parts Authority noted. Parts Authority recognized Standard Motor Products with the Operational Performance Award. The recipient was measured on communication, organization, and the ability to adapt and grow alongside Parts Authority. Standard Motor Products truly delivered exceptional operational performance, Parts Authority said. ACDelco received the Program Performance Award. ACDelco was recognized for going above and beyond the “call of duty” to grow and support its brand across multiple channels nationwide, in turn benefiting both Parts Authority and its customers. URO Parts, which offers more than 8,000 high-quality spare parts for European, American and Asian vehicles, was named the organization’s 2022 Import Supplier of the Year. URO demonstrated its ability to be a market leader in the import segment. Depo received the 2022 New Vendor Award. Depo offers aftermarket lighting and collision parts at competitive prices. Depo was recognized for its high-quality products and ability to move quickly and successfully through the challenging process of becoming a new vendor. Bosch received the 2022 Marketing Excellence Award. Bosch consistently delivered successful marketing strategies and support throughout the year. Parts Authority recognized Dorman Products with the 2022 Catalog and Data Award. From new-product data to ACES and PIES to images, videos and beyond, Dorman proved to be an industry leader in all aspects of cataloging and data, Parts Authority noted. DRiV received the 2022 Brand Recognition Award. DRiV was recognized for maintaining strong brand awareness within its portfolio of products and its consistent support of Parts Authority’s business. Bryan Moberly, national key account manager at Bosch, was named 2022 Factory Representative of the Year. Moberly delivered consistent and outstanding support throughout the year, resulting in significant growth for Bosch, Parts Authority and its customers. Mike Glazier, president at Glazier Sales Associates, and Robbie Riefberg of NA Williams, were named 2022 Manufacturer Representatives of the Year. Glazier and Riefberg successfully managed multiple brands and inventory within Parts Authority, while educating team members and customers. Parts Authority awarded five recipients with the Road Warrior Award. Justin Masseo from Glazier Sales Associates, Hector Garcia from NA Williams, Bill Wilson from KSW Enterprises, Mike Beam from Idemitsu Lubricants America and Kendell Smith from Standard Motor Products were recognized for their outstanding and ongoing efforts on the front lines. These “road warriors” trained customers, educated team members and solved problems with passion and precision. The post Parts Authority Honors Top Vendor Partners, Reps For 2022 appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

It pains me to admit it, but snowy weather is just around the corner. And with that winter weather comes seasonal challenges – as well as sales opportunities. In all my years behind the parts counter, there were two types of days that I would dread: heavy snowfall and heavy rainfall. Why? Because in either case, I knew that the store was going to be chock full of customers who have been putting off buying new wiper blades. I also knew that since my store offered free wiper installation – like most stores do these days – I would end up soaking wet from the rain, or frozen stiff from the snow and ice while I worked on the vehicle in the parking lot outside. I don’t know about you, but I found that upselling a customer in this position was exceedingly difficult. They’re usually in a rush, and are more likely to say, “Just give me the cheap ones,” or, “I’ll get the better wipers next time.” We’ve all heard those objections before. How do we overcome them? Don’t Wait, Ask! I would talk about wiper blades at every opportunity with customers. It was sort of my own way to kill time while I was waiting for the computer to open up the catalog. I would ask, “So, how are your wipers holding up? Did they keep the windshield clear when it rained last week?” Doing this would help to jog their memory, reminding them that their wipers were streaking, chattering or just simply failing to clear the windshield. They might not have walked into the store expecting to buy wipers, but they were more receptive to the idea once I helped them to remember that they needed them. This scenario happened day in and day out, and best of all I was able to upsell a number of those customers into a nicer set of beam-style wipers or convince them to pick up a gallon of washer fluid as well. These may seem like small victories, but they add up to a healthier profit margin for the entire store. I remember that our margin would dip on those really snowy or rainy days, mostly due to the smaller margin we made on the wiper blades by themselves. Installation Tips I installed a lot of wiper blades in my years behind the counter. Customers often would comment on how quickly I’d get it done, but it became more muscle memory than a conscious effort over time. We all know that wipers are easy to install, but customers don’t always know how to do it. If we can step in and install them – and get the customers on their way quickly – that’s a win-win for everyone. When it comes to installing wipers, there are a few things I’ve learned. First, most wiper blades will come with a small alcohol wipe inside the packaging. Don’t throw it away! Use it to wipe off any dirt or debris from the windshield where the wiper blades park. This part only takes a second or two, but it goes a long way toward ensuring that those new wiper blades won’t smear tree sap, dirt, mud or whatever else may be on the glass all over your customer’s field of vision. Second, when you lift the wiper arm up to access the blade, note any resistance or corrosion along the hinges. If those hinges start to bind up, it may not be able to apply adequate pressure to press the blade against the windshield. Finally, don’t forget about the rear wiper! SUVs, wagons and hatchbacks probably will have a small wiper for the rear glass, and these can easily be forgotten by the customer. As a matter of fact, I had a number of customers who didn’t know how to turn the rear wiper on in their vehicle, and they’d owned it for years! They really appreciated it when I took a moment to show them how to use it, and I hope they remembered what I’d said the next time it rained! The post Selling Wiper Blades appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Counterman will not be distributing its e-newsletter scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 24, in observance of Thanksgiving Day. Instead, Counterman will send the e-newsletter on Friday, Nov. 25. The staff of Counterman wishes you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving! The post Counterman On Holiday appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

MEMA, the leading trade association in North America representing motor vehicle component manufacturers, announced a new business structure to better position the organization and the vehicle supplier community for the future. The 118-year-old organization will now operate under one umbrella – MEMA – and represent automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers with two groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Group and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers Group. Over recent decades, MEMA’s reach and influence expanded through four divisions as the industry evolved: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Associations (AASA); Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA); MERA – The Association for Sustainable Manufacturing; and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). “Today, rapid changes are impacting our industry and we must be more adaptive and agile to respond,” said Bill Long, president and CEO, MEMA. “These industry challenges are not unique to one market segment but affect the entire membership. We must position MEMA for the future in a way that supports our vision of a growing, profitable and influential supplier community.” According to Long, MEMA’s mission, vision and dedication to its members and the automotive, commercial vehicle and remanufacturing industries have not changed. It remains focused on advancing business interests of vehicle suppliers and working to successfully navigate the future of transportation and sustainability. “No other organization can compare with MEMA’s longevity, respect, depth of knowledge and commitment to the supplier industry,” said Long. “With these changes, we leverage one MEMA, providing more services to all members in each respective market segment, greater platforms for industry dialogue and one collective voice on behalf of our members.” To learn more, representatives from every MEMA member organization have been invited to attend a members-only MEMA Town Hall on Dec. 8. The association will formally kick off the new brand and organizational structure in January 2023. The post MEMA Announces Plans To Position Organization For The Future appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Engine misfires are among the most common issues that a technician must diagnose. However, the biggest problem – from a diagnostic standpoint – is that it’s almost an automatic reaction to blame misfires on the ignition system. Understanding why this is a problem, and the reason it happens, can help you differentiate between ignition-related and non-ignition-related misfires. There are a couple deep-seated reasons for the blame. To begin with, years ago, before fuel injection and distributorless ignition, the majority of all noticeable misfires were caused by an ignition problem – either a bad spark plug or plug wire. Note that I said noticeable misfires. On today’s vehicles, ignition problems indeed are a common cause of engine misfires … but also a common misdiagnosis. This is where it starts to get interesting. Carburetors, distributors and plug wires got us through the first 80-plus years of the automobile, and did a great job at it. But the bottom line is that they were simply inefficient fuel and ignition systems. Compared to today’s vehicles, they ran terrible! Once you had a few miles on them, they idled rough, maybe had to warm up a little longer to avoid a stumble, and most cars had their own little idiosyncrasies for starting. This was the type of performance we were used to, so nothing registered to us as a misfire until it was a “dead” miss. This is a term we as technicians use to refer to a misfire that renders a cylinder completely ineffective, or completely “dead.” These types of misfires shake the entire vehicle to the point where even the most absent-minded of vehicle owners knows something is wrong. It Was Easy Once Back in the day, spark plugs had relatively short service intervals – around 10,000 miles – and plug wires were wide-open to abuse and wear. So, not only were they the frequent cause of misfires, but it wasn’t uncommon to open the hood and see a spark jumping from a plug wire to ground, or between wires. This made it easy to diagnose, and if there was no visual cue such as this, a common trick was to use insulated spark plug wire pliers and pull off one wire at a time to see if it made a difference. If you got no change, you found the suspect cylinder. If you got the daylights knocked out of you, you needed a new set of insulated pliers! This was a sloppy yet effective diagnosis, but by no means an insult; I’ve done it a “million” times. Now, let me get back to the diagnostic problems of a misfire. For complete and correct combustion to occur, you must have the proper amount of air, fuel and spark; you must have the correct amount of compression; and the ignition timing must be correct. So, the possible causes of incomplete combustion could be too much or too little air; too much or too little fuel; lack of or not a strong enough spark; spark at the wrong time; or a mechanical problem that causes insufficient compression. On old cars, incomplete combustion was common (one reason emissions were so bad), but there was no computer, no electronics to tell us, and as I mentioned, we were used to engines that ran a little rough and didn’t have the best drivability. On today’s vehicles, complete combustion is critical for emissions and fuel economy. This is why the engine control module (ECM) continuously monitors for complete combustion, and while there’s a lot to that, we’ll just focus on the misfire monitor. The operation of the misfire monitor is primarily based on crankshaft pulses. The ECM continuously monitors crankshaft speed via the crankshaft sensor, and if it sees even the slightest deviation, its logic deduces that some form of incomplete combustion (i.e., a misfire) has occurred. Since any type of incomplete combustion will cause an increase in emissions, a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored, and the “Check Engine” light is illuminated. While the driver of the vehicle might not have noticed anything wrong, the ECM did, and now there’s an annoying light glaring at the driver, enticing them to seek service. As a technician, when we pull the DTCs on a vehicle that seems to run fine, it’s not even a slight surprise to see misfire codes, which are always P0300 for random misfire, or P0301 and up (the last number indicating the cylinder from which the misfire occurred). When You Assume … With all of that said, now let’s focus on the diagnostic problem of assuming that a misfire is caused by ignition. Problems such as the slightest pinhole vacuum leak or the slightest loss of fuel delivery from an injector will be detected by the PCM, storing a misfire trouble code. If we allow ourselves to automatically blame it on ignition, a percentage of the time we will be wrong. However, since we know that ignition problems still are common, there are certain signs we look for and certain things we can do to determine if the problem is ignition-related. To begin with, one telltale sign of an ignition misfire is the flashing “Check Engine” light. As part of emission control, all ECMs will store trouble codes when a misfire is detected. But, when the ECM determines there’s imminent danger of damage to the catalyst, it flashes the “Check Engine” light to get the immediate attention of the driver. This occurs when it picks up a “dead” misfire, with the logic that quite possibly there is excessive unburned fuel coming out of the dead cylinder, which will damage the catalyst. These “dead” misfires again can be felt by the driver, so a shaking vehicle and a flashing “Check Engine” light go hand-in-hand. While not always, this is usually an ignition problem, and quite often the engine will idle smooth, but under acceleration begin to misfire and flash the light. Most misfire monitors are accurate with the reported cylinder, and a common practice for diagnosis is to swap the coil and plug from the suspect cylinder with those from another. More often than not, the misfire will move, and while it feels the same, the ECM will instantly report the misfire from the other cylinder. Rolling back the clock again, even in the age of the carburetor, technicians knew that misfires could be caused by multiple factors aside from ignition, and if a car had a misfire that wasn’t blatantly obvious, we relied on an oscilloscope to be able to “look” at the operation of the ignition system on a screen, which allowed us to compare the efficiency of all cylinders and deduce whether the problem was ignition-related, or caused by another factor. These tools and techniques still are relevant today, but there are more special-tool requirements for more vehicles, as opposed to one set of test leads that you could hook up to any make or model. As technicians, we always take into account all of the factors that can cause a misfire, so as not to misdiagnose it. However, we may not always have the required equipment to view ignition waveforms, so we continue our inspection with more signs that can indicate an ignition-related misfire. Spark Plugs and Critters Naturally, worn spark plugs can cause a misfire. If you know the mileage on them, it can help you decide whether it’s time for replacement. Once they’re removed, excessively worn electrodes are a good clue. It’s always important to look for wiring damage. Coil wiring can be inviting for rodents, so a close inspection always is a good idea. Carbon tracking is another tell-tale sign of an ignition misfire. The high-voltage spark produced in the coil finds its path to ground by jumping across the gap of the spark plug. Electricity always takes the easiest path to ground, and if it finds an easier way than the spark plug gap, it’ll go there. Spark plug wire or coil boots are designed to insulate the high voltage, but problems can cause the spark to travel under the boot and ground to the base of the spark plug. Carbon is a byproduct of an electrical spark, and a high-voltage spark traveling between the wire boot and plug will leave its “footprint” via a carbon track. Carbon tracking also can be visible inside a distributor cap, and where you find it, you can be sure of an ignition misfire. A final visual indicator of an ignition misfire can be oil in the spark plug wells. Many of today’s cars are designed with spark plugs in the center of the combustion chamber. It’s common in these designs for the well seals to leak, and oil can work its way up underneath the coil boot and cause a misfire. During any type of diagnosis, we always use sight, sound and smell as our most important tools. Even if you can’t see it, you get used to the sound of a jumping spark, and this can be an indicator of an ignition misfire. You also might smell excessive fuel at the tailpipe. There are other indicators with scan-tool data that can give you a clue as to whether you have an ignition misfire, but you have to be careful. If you have an ignition misfire and excessive fuel is being introduced into the exhaust, the engine-management system will recognize this as well and make adjustments to fuel delivery, which can alter engine data and the smell from the exhaust. As you can see, this is a really deep hole, and the bottom line is engine misfires can be difficult to diagnose at times due to the sensitivity of modern engine-management systems. However, a thorough inspection and careful mindset will allow you to head off an ignition misfire before getting too deep into additional diagnostics. The post Diagnosing Engine Misfires appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) has announced the appointment of two individuals to the leadership team. Megan McDonald, an NGK associate for more than 23 years, has been promoted to general manager of corporate planning. In this newly created role, McDonald will serve as a leadership team member and be responsible for the successful execution of NGK’s critical business initiatives from planning through implementation, expediting NGK’s decision-making process, creating transparency and optimizing its risk management. “I am pleased to announce that Megan McDonald has accepted the general manager of corporate planning position,” said Paul Abbott, NGK director strategic planning and administration. “Megan has played a vital role in developing and implementing the project management team, adopting a technical APQP skill set to support corporate and enterprise-wide projects. We are excited to have her in this expanded role as her skill set will be further utilized to support our company’s risk management structure.” Alex Sanchez Salazar has joined the company as general manager of internal audit. In his new role, Sanchez Salazar is responsible for providing consult, audit and advisory services to effectively identify and address significant risks to the company across all business units. Sanchez Salazar joins NGK Spark Plugs with more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing finance and compliance. “Alex Sanchez Salazar comes to us with extensive expertise in finance of the manufacturing sector,” said Ron Laboda, NGK vice president of finance and IT. “I am excited to have Alex join NGK and lead our internal audit team. I know his strong financial acumen will safeguard our company assets minimizing risk while continuously improving our internal controls and business processes.” The post NGK Spark Plugs Makes Leadership Appointments appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Eric Sills, president and chief executive officer at Standard Motor Products Inc. (SMP), received the 2022 AASA Member Advocacy Award on Nov. 2 at AAPEX show in Las Vegas. “Eric has taken up the reins of representing the aftermarket during a very difficult time for our country and our industry,” said Ann Wilson, senior vice president of government affairs, Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “Whether discussing supply chain challenges on Capitol Hill or organizing his colleagues to support the REPAIR Act, Eric has focused on advocating for the aftermarket. It is truly an honor to work with Eric and to present this award to him.” Sills is a proud representative of the industry and goes above and beyond to secure a bright future for the aftermarket, AASA noted. He testified to Congress on behalf of the entire manufacturing community on supply chain challenges and investing to strengthen American manufacturing and competitiveness. Sills activated his SMP-employee base to reach out to their congresspeople in support of the REPAIR Act and to help ensure a competitive market and consumer choice on where and with what parts vehicles are repaired. Sills and his team work toward an outcome that is positive for manufacturers, channel partners, the aftermarket and for consumers. As someone who is a fourth-generation leader in the aftermarket, he is a superior executive who not only focuses on his own organization’s success, but also considers the supplier community and the industry as a whole, AASA noted. “I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Sills said. “The aftermarket is in my blood, and it is more important than ever that the industry fully participates in all aspects of the public policy process.” Wilson took the stage to officially name Sills as the 2022 AASA Advocacy Champion. Also honored during the award presentation were Franchelle Thomas, who received the AASA DEI Leadership Award (Individual); and MOTOR Information Systems, which received the the AASA DEI Leadership Award (Corporation). The post Eric Sills Of SMP Receives AASA Member Advocacy Award appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Photo caption: Fletcher Lord Jr. (left) and Bill Schlatterer Bill Schlatterer, president and CEO of Replacement Parts Inc. (parent company of Crow-Burlingame), walked out of a meeting on Monday expecting to take a small break before heading back into the conference room. Instead, he found more than 100 employees gathered right outside the door. As they clapped and yelled, “Surprise!” and “Congratulations!”, he stood for a moment taking in the whole scene. Bouncing gold and black balloons, tables bursting with goodies – cheese and vegetable trays, party sandwiches, fruit arrangements, chocolate and vanilla cupcakes – all flanking a huge Italian cream cake with the words “Happy 50th Anniversary, Bill”written across the top in gold icing. He grinned and in his usual, low-key manner said, “Oh, guys, this is just terrific. Thank you.” Schlatterer started his career with Crow-Burlingame in 1972 as a delivery driver at the flagship store on 7th and Arch in Little Rock, Arkansas. As he talked to the crowd, he shared his secret to success. “You don’t get lucky,” he said. “You raise your hand, do the work other people don’t want to do, and you make your good luck happen.” Then he turned serious. “You know, not to get all melancholy or anything, but I have always loved my job. Loved my work family. Those years went so fast. Where did those 50 years go?” It was quiet for a moment, and then Fletcher Lord Jr., chairman of the board, stepped forward. He said, “In 1972, we had one district manager. One day he called me up and he said, ‘Fletcher. We have a problem. I’ve got this guy, and we either need to fire him, or move him up, because he is driving me crazy.’ Well, now this guy is getting his 50-year pin, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner all of these years.” The post Bill Schlatterer Celebrates 50 Years With Crow-Burlingame appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

MAHLE Motorsport has announced the availability of the company’s new 2023 Application Guide. The 38-page application guide features all of the company’s high-performance PowerPak piston sets and Pro Series Race pistons and provides complete product information for seven new PowerPak sets in addition to multiple new rings, pins and rails. A sample of the new PowerPak piston sets available for 2023 include the Ford Godzilla 7.3-liter PowerPak; SBC 22°/23° Flat Top Gasported PowerPak; Forged SBC 23° USRA-approved PowerPak with press-fit pins; SBC 22° ASCS 360 Sprint Dome gas ported with asymmetrical valve pockets; LS 5.3L (Gen 4) Flat Top drop-in forged replacement assembly compatible with LS1/2/6 style cathedral port heads; Big Block Mopar 440 Dish; and a BB Mopar 383/400 Flat Top and Ford 5.0-liter Modular Coyote (Gen 3) Direct Injected (2018+). Also, new cast piston PowerPak sets are available for the Ford Powerstroke including a 6.0-liter piston set that also is offered with 0.100-inch deep valve pockets, and a Ford 6.4-liter Powerstroke available with 0.10-inch-deep valve pockets. MAHLE Motorsport PowerPak piston sets provide engine builders with their best value based on a reputation of reliability, durability and added features, according to the company. Most PowerPak sets come complete with a high-performance ring set with pins and clips. Also, the pistons are dual coated with a phosphate dry lubricant to reduce friction and GRAFAL skirt coating to reduce drag and skirt fatigue. The PowerPak sets featured in the guide include a broad selection of SBC, LS, BBC, SBF, Ford Modular PowerPaks and a growing list of Hemi, Powerstroke and Diesel PowerPak sets. MAHLE Motorsport also offers PowerPak sets for many imports and sport compacts including Mazda, Subaru, Nissan, Ford EcoBoost, BMW, Audi, VW and Toyota applications. The guide also includes a section on ring gap instructions with illustrations and samples based on the high-performance street, circle track/drag racing, turbo/supercharger, diesel turbocharged and more. The new application guide is available to download now at mahlemotorsports.com, or can be picked up at the 2022 PRI show at booth No. 1601. The post MAHLE Motorsport Introduces 2023 Application Guide appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, has announced the addition of its newest officers and governors immediately following the conclusion of AAPEX 2022 in Las Vegas. Effective Nov. 4, the new AWDA chair is Ashlee Arnold, vice president at Arnold Oil Company of Austin, Texas. Arnold succeeds Ryan Samuels of Samuels Inc., who successfully led the association the previous two years and remains on the board as immediate past chair. Including Arnold, AWDA’s new officers are: Chair – Ashlee Arnold, Arnold Oil Company of AustinVice chair – Dan Hanson Jr., Hanson Distributing CompanySecretary – Chase Baxley, The Parts House (Florida) “In its 75 years, AWDA has had the benefit of strong leadership to guide this proud organization through good and not so good times,” said Ted Hughes, executive director of the AWDA. “These leaders represent the next generation of leadership for this great organization, and I am proud to work with them.” AWDA’s new governors-at-large are: Ryan Bickle, Warehouse Inc. / S&W SupplyJoshua Futerman, Hahn Automotive Warehouse Inc.Mike Harris, FleetPrideLanny Martindale, 4M Parts WarehouseShawn Senior, Eastern Warehouse Distributors Inc. “AWDA’s nominating committee insists that, if asked, any incoming governor must be qualified to serve as chairman,” said Hughes. “The result of this long-standing tradition is a consistent supply of high-quality board members who are interested, engaged and committed to traditional distribution, the aftermarket and their association.” In the coming year, the AWDA board will support and represent traditional distribution within the Auto Care Association and the aftermarket industry at large. AWDA also will continue its long tradition of supporting industry education through significant donations to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. AWDA represents the top distributors and manufacturers of motor vehicle parts nationwide. The 75-year-old organization is a key segment of the Auto Care Association. Learn more about AWDA at autocare.org/awda or contact Ted Hughes, executive director, AWDA, at [email protected]. The post AWDA Announces New Officers And Governors appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

NAPA Auto Parts has announced a new initiative to help drivers and partners nationwide make the transition to an electric future through a unique collaboration with Qmerit. Qmerit is an Irvine, California-based provider of installation services for EV charging and other electrification technologies. NAPA says it will be the first in the automotive aftermarket to offer Qmerit’s turnkey EV-charging installation services to buyers. As the number of electric vehicles on the road steadily grows, this new collaboration will help NAPA deliver on its initiative to increase the availability of EV charging stations from coast to coast, the company says. Charger buyers now can access Qmerit’s installation services directly from NAPAonline.com, where customers can easily research and purchase the charger that’s right for them. “Alongside our existing commitments to increasing education and training for new technicians, NAPA is also committed to sourcing and ramping up resources that provide our network with the parts and accessories most crucial to maintaining an electric vehicle,” said Susan Starnes, vice president of emerging markets at Genuine Parts Co. “This effort with Qmerit expands the ways we’re bringing needed change for the aftermarket industry, while honoring the road we’ve traveled to get here. We’re excited to further serve this growing segment of drivers and maintain the level of service the existing NAPA customers have come to expect.” This integration allows buyers to conveniently request an online estimate for their installation and connect with one of Qmerit’s certified installers. Qmerit’s certified network spanning the United States and Canada is comprised exclusively of licensed electricians who are insured, background-checked, trained and monitored for safety and service quality. The post NAPA Aligns With Qmerit For EV Charging Stations appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Dayco has expanded its lineup of water pumps to include coverage for almost 30 million vehicles that require an electric water pump, with more parts expected to be introduced in 2023. With Dayco’s extensive experience in the OE market, Dayco’s aftermarket team made a strategic move into the category in 2021 knowing automakers were increasingly demanding electric water pumps to enhance fuel efficiency, horsepower and customer comfort. “According to industry research, the global market for this product line reached more than $3.1 billion at the end of 2021,” said Tom Tecklenburg, director of aftermarket, Dayco North America. “It is forecasted to double to almost $7 billion by 2027, so we wanted to be at the ready to help our channel partners as the demand for these parts in the aftermarket builds.” Originally found on high-end vehicles, today’s electric water pumps are installed in many model passenger cars, and light- and medium-duty trucks, and are notably more common in turbocharged and supercharged vehicles as well as vehicles with start/stop technology, EVs and BEVs. Providing OE-quality performance and meeting critical electrical performance benchmarks, Dayco’s electric water pumps are designed as direct-fit bolt-on replacements that do not require any modifications during installation, according to the company. To prevent rust and premature failure, the pumps are engineered using stainless steel for all water-contact components. In addition, all pump bearings are self-lubricating, graphite composite, making them corrosion-resistant and compatible with engine coolants. “A key benefit to having access to Dayco’s aftermarket line of pumps is that it’s a more cost effective replacement solution compared to expensive OE pumps,” said Tecklenburg. “In addition, we provide an extended 125,000-mile warranty on our all water pumps so that our customers never have to worry about a comeback claim.” For more information on Dayco’s electric water pumps, visit the Dayco website. Distributors and technicians also can log into the Dayco North American aftermarket site to utilize the online Find Your Part search. The post Dayco Expands Lineup Of Electric Water Pumps appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Genuine Parts Co. (GPC), parent company of NAPA Auto Parts, reported record third-quarter sales of $5.7 billion, a 17.8% year-over-year increase. The sales growth reflects a 12.7% increase in comparable sales and a 9.1% benefit from acquisitions, according to the company. “The GPC team delivered record results, with double-digit sales and earnings growth driven by the execution of effective strategies and continued resilience of our Automotive and Industrial businesses,” said Paul Donahue, chairman and CEO. “We are pleased with the continued strength of our results for 2022 and are proud of the great work by all our 53,000 teammates who are at the core of our success.” Sales for the Automotive Parts Group were $3.5 billion, up 8.9% year-over-year. Industrial sales were $2.2 billion, up 35.3% from the same period in 2021, and reflecting a 19.6% increase in comparable sales and a 16.6% contribution from the acquisition of Kaman Distribution Group. “Our third-quarter results were driven by sound industry fundamentals and execution of our key strategic initiatives to deliver accelerated sales growth and margin expansion in both segments,” said Will Stengel, president. “We were also pleased to further strengthen our balance sheet and generate continued strong cash flow. “The solid growth in Automotive was broad-based, with double-digit total sales growth in local currency in each of our global operations. Likewise, the continued strength in Industrial led to its sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit sales comps.” GPC revised its sales guidance for full-year 2022. The company said it now expects overall sales to grow between 15% and 16% year-over-year. The previous guidance was for sales growth between 12% and 14%. The post Genuine Parts Company Reports Strong Q3 Results appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article