Counterman

Photo caption (left to right): Destiny, chapter vice president, Chippewa Hills FFA; Dan Reid, store manager, Auto Value parts store, Remus, Michigan; Macey, chapter president, Chippewa Hills FFA; and Adrian, chapter historian, Chippewa Hills FFA. The Auto Value parts store in Remus, Michigan – a member of the Auto-Wares Group of Companies network – took first place in the country participating in WIX Filters’ FFA Box Top Program. The store and the surrounding community redeemed a total of 22,425 box tops. The store’s local chapter, Chippewa Hills Future Farmers of America, received a $7,606.25 check. Included in that total is an additional $2,000 bonus for being one of the four chapters that submitted the most box tops, and the most improved chapter from last year’s fundraising. “The support from Dan and Auto Value is amazing,” said Doug Richard, FFA director. “This donation will allow our chapter to reduce the cost to our members who attend FFA National Convention and State Convention, as well as cover other chapter activities. Thank you to Auto Value and WIX Filters.” For each oil-filter box top submitted, WIX donates 25 cents to local FFA chapters. Collect WIX box tops from farmers, truck owners, repair shops and garages, and drop them off at a participating WIX Filters FFA Box Top program location. Prior to submitting, make sure that the box top has the WIX Filters logo or name, the part number and UPC code. Visit www.wixfilters.com to find your local WIX distributor. The post Auto Value Remus Store Is Tops In WIX Filters FFA Fundraiser appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

First Brands Group has announced the opening of its sponsorship application for the 2023 season. Competitors in stock car, kart, dirt track, drag racing, motocross and other circuits can apply now through Dec. 15. StopTech, Autolite, Raybestos and FRAM will provide support to teams that are selected for racing sponsorships. Selected teams will represent these automotive parts brands in hundreds of events across the United States. “Our racing program is back for 2023, and with the support of four of our industry-leading brands, this is shaping up to be our biggest year yet,” said Carl Weber, senior marketing director, First Brands Group. “We’re confident that our support and high-performance brakes, filters and spark plugs will give our sponsored teams a boost as they race towards a victory.” In 2022, StopTech, Autolite, Raybestos and FRAM sponsored more than 50 race teams competing in stock car, kart, dirt track, drag racing and motocross circuits. The 2023 sponsorship program will offer more co-sponsorship opportunities to give selected race teams support from multiple brands. If you think you have what it takes to make it to First Brands’ sponsorship winner circle, apply at fbgsponsorships.com. The post First Brands Opens 2023 Racing-Sponsorship Application appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Federated Auto Parts, a longtime patron of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF), has attained Diamond Lifetime Trustee status for its ongoing support. “Since the founding of Federated Auto Parts nearly 40 years ago, Federated has been committed to providing the next generation of auto care professionals with scholarships and educational opportunities,” said Sue Godschalk, president of Federated Auto Parts. “Federated members take great pride in supporting the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and we are honored to be recognized as a Diamond Lifetime Trustee. We look forward to continuing to work closely with UAF and helping more young men and women achieve their goals.” “The University of the Aftermarket Foundation thanks Federated Auto Parts and their membership for their continued generosity and support of UAF,” said Bob Egan, chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. “Federated has supported UAF since day one and their generous patronage continues today. We are proud to administer the Federated Car Care and Art Fisher Memorial scholarships and appreciate all of the Federated volunteers who have served on our board of trustees and act as scholarship reviewers. We thank them for all they have contributed to ensure the success of the aftermarket through education.” The University of the Aftermarket Foundation Diamond Trustee designation is reserved for those who have donated more than $500,000 and support the UAF mission of providing scholarships and educational opportunities for the development of the next generation of aftermarket professionals. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. To learn more about UAF, apply for a scholarship or grant or make a donation, visit www.uofa-foundation.org. The post Federated Auto Parts Expands UAF Support appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

International Lubricants (ILI), maker of Lubegard automotive branded lubricants, announced the introduction of Lubegard Rustgard Rust & Corrosion Preventive Oil, available this November. Rustgard is a premium, commercial-grade rust- and corrosion-preventive oil that provides a long-lasting protective barrier for all metal surfaces on parts, tools, machinery and equipment. Rustgard’s wax-free formula will not clog filters, according to the company. Rustgard is available in an 8-ounce (P/N 19508) and 16-ounce (P/N 19516) non-aerosol spray bottle. Bulk sizes also are available. The post Lubegard Introduces Rustgard Rust & Corrosion Preventive Oil appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts announced the opening of five new Carquest retail locations throughout Central California. The new stores are owned and operated by Jack Gosnell, a Carquest independent owner and president of Next Level Parts. The new stores are located at: 1730 Jackson Ave., Escalon412 S. Yosemite Ave., Oakdale910 E. Weber St., Stockton1557 Morgan Road, Modesto924 G St., Modesto The stores carry an assortment of leading name-brand aftermarket parts and products, including DieHard batteries, which are owned and sold by Advance and Carquest. Parts at these stores will cater to both professional repair shops and do-it-yourself customers. Additionally, stores will carry products for heavy-duty machinery and farming and agriculture equipment. Gosnell’s journey as a Carquest independent owner began in 1999 when he opened his first store in Turlock. Since then, he has added seven Carquest locations throughout the region, including new stores opened this summer in Oakdale, Escalon, Stockton and two in Modesto. Next Level Parts also operates Carquest locations in Merced and Manteca. “Since opening our first Carquest, we have been passionate about serving motorists in this community,” said Gosnell. “Whether they are taking their kids to school, making their daily commute or need parts to perform their job, we will always go the extra mile to make sure they have the parts they need. These new locations will enable our team to reach more customers across Central California, and we’re excited to be part of these communities for years to come.” “Jack and Next Level Parts have been outstanding members of Carquest’s network of independent owners,” said Junior Word, Carquest executive vice president of U.S. stores. “For over 20 years, his team has been committed to providing customers with the highest quality parts and services. We are thrilled for Jack and his recent expansion and look forward to witnessing the success of his new stores.” To learn more about Carquest store ownership opportunities, visit www.Carquest.com. The post Carquest Auto Parts Opens New Locations In Central California appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Automotive Parts Associates (APA) announced that Factory Motor Parts (FMP) acquired B&I Auto Supply in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This four-location acquisition expands FMP’s eastern footprint and grows its national presence to more than 150 locations in 22 states. B&I is a leading distributor of OE parts including ACDelco, Motorcraft, Mopar, Nissan and Mercedes brands. “We are excited to bring B&I into the FMP family,” says Todd Heldt, FMP’s executive vice president. “Their strong understanding of the OE business makes them a great fit for FMP. We will continue to build the OE business while expanding their aftermarket offering into the independent service center and fleet side of the business. Steve Tucker, president of Automotive Parts Associates, added: “Growth is good, and anytime we hear of our shareholders expanding, we’re thrilled, to say the least.” The post APA Shareholder Factory Motor Parts Acquires B&I Auto Supply appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

GMB, one of the largest global manufacturers and suppliers of OE and aftermarket automotive products, has added three new exclusive product categories to its lineup. GMB now offers engine oil,automotive batteries and oil filters. “GMB’s team of product developers, engineers and manufacturers has produced an impressive number of new parts in addition to the new categories,” the company added in a news release. GMB will be showcasing these new parts and categories at Booth A3433 at AAPEX in Las Vegas. AAPEX is scheduled for Nov. 1-3. The post GMB Adds Engine Oil, Batteries, Oil Filters To Portfolio appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), in coordination with several key suppliers, announced the launch of www.checkthepart.com, a website designed to help give parts professionals information and tips on how to identify and reduce fraudulent warranty claims. It’s been estimated that fraudulent warranty returns cost auto parts stores more than $600 million annually. The items returned for credit include worn OE parts, bricks and other items meant to simply fill the box, as well as parts that were damaged during installation. As more high-tech sensors are sold and as the cost of auto parts continues to rise, it will become increasingly important to reduce fraudulent claims. The website’s goal is to educate parts professionals on how to recognize and stop fraudulent returns, as well as provide a portal to report fraudulent returns. Parts professionals also can earn “Check the Part”-branded items for reporting examples of fraudulent claims through the submission portal. A group of manufacturers created the Check the Part initiative to help the industry address this widespread problem. The committee is comprised of members from Standard Motor Products, Dorman Products, KYB, MPA, Mevotech, MotoRad of America and FDP Brakes. AASA and the Auto Care Association have endorsed Check the Part. The website promotes three simple steps to help reduce fraudulent claims: Open the box and confirm the part is the same type of part that is described on the box and paperwork.Confirm the brand of the part matches the brand on the box.If the part is brand new and was never installed, it can be returned, but it should not be processed as a warranty. Learn more about this initiative at www.checkthepart.com. The post AASA Launches New Website To Reduce Fraudulent Warranty Returns appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Performance Ridge Technology (PRT) announced the addition of 46 complete strut assemblies to its product portfolio. The complete strut assemblies for light vehicle, SUVs and pickup trucks cover popular models such as the BMW 5 Series, Jeep Renegade, Subaru Forester and 2020 RAM ProMaster 1500, among others. The new products represent more than 6 million vehicles in additional coverage for the North American aftermarket. PRT is a brand of the ADD USA group, one of the largest manufacturers of complete strut assemblies in the world. PRT products are produced under the strictest OE-quality processes required by the major automakers. “These new products comes to expand our coverage to the North American aftermarket,” said Bruno Bello, director of category and marketing at PRT. “As an OEM supplier, PRT is always offering best solutions with the same quality from the OE market. All new items are in stock and ready to ship.” For more information, call 770-238-1611 or visit www.prtautoparts.com. Follow PRT on its social networks @prtautoparts. The post PRT Adds 46 Complete Strut Assemblies To Portfolio appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Carquest Auto Parts announced a new branding package, including a refreshed logo, at its 2022 Leadership Summit in San Antonio. Elements of the branding package gradually will be incorporated into interior and exterior store signage, marketing materials and more. “Our updated branding reflects our focus on modernizing Carquest for the benefit of our independent store owners,” said Carquest Executive Vice President of U.S. Stores Junior Word. “It was critical for us to retain the red, white and blue symbolic of our store partners and their passion for serving customers in communities across America. We’ve refreshed our brand, but we’re still the same Carquest, dedicated to treating customers like family and helping them find the parts they need.” Some 300 Carquest store owners from across the United States were represented at the summit, which included panel discussions, training sessions and a vendor show featuring 60 auto parts and technology vendors. Additionally, Advance Auto Parts President and CEO Tom Greco and Word announced that Carquest store partners and their customers raised $86,209 for Hire Heroes USA. Greco and Word presented the donation to Hire Heroes USA CEO Andrew Sandoe. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Hire Heroes USA provides employment assistance, personal career guidance, resume building and one-on-one support for military veterans entering the workforce. The top three Carquest stores raising the most funds were: La Porte Motor Supply in La Porte, Iowa, owned by Joe Weber ($6,199)Kittrell Auto Parts in Beaufort, North Carolina, owned by Buddy Kittrell ($4,412)D&M Auto Parts in Medway, Massachusetts, owned by Doug Urmston ($3,875) “It’s been a long time since we had so many of our store partners under one roof, so that alone brought a lot of excitement for our Carquest family,” said Word. “It was important for us to use this time to celebrate our outstanding owners while providing networking opportunities and training to support their businesses and help them become more profitable. We’ve long said that our mission at Carquest is to take care of our owners while they take care of the needs of their customers, and we believe that the summit provided our owners with valuable information that will position them for success.” Training sessions available for store partners focused on enhancing DIY business; creating digital marketing strategies with a local focus; and leveraging technology to gain business results. The summit also included a session focused on key trends influencing the automotive aftermarket, led by Auto Care Association Director of Market Intelligence Mike Chung. The post Carquest Unveils New Branding At Leadership Summit appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Blaine Brothers Family of Companies has opened a new part-distribution center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The 25,000-plus-square-foot facility is centrally located between all nine of Blaine Brothers’ facilities, the company noted. The facility at 754 Vandalia St. is between Minneapolis and St. Paul off Interstate 94 and Highway 280. The new expanded space, designed for high efficiencies, is fully equipped to stock a wider range of fast-moving parts while increasing the breadth of inventory, which will result in faster service and delivery for all customers. The facility will serve as an additional will-call location and have daily deliveries to all facilities. “The new PDC will help us up the game in terms of having the parts our customers need,” said Tim Grabow, VP. “We can optimize inventory across our network of locations, so parts are where they are needed, increasing our speed to getting them in our customers hands and keeping trucks on the road.” Blaine Brothers is a second-generation family-owned business established in 1979. The company includes four separate business entities (Blaine Brothers, North American Trailer, TruckAline and Hydraulic Specialty) that together offer nearly every product and service requested in commercial transportation, according to the company. The family of companies employs more than 380 people. “Today’s environment has created many challenges with parts procurement,” said Dean Dally, CEO. “The opening of our PDC will allow us to have the correct inventory and needed parts our customers look for daily. This will allow us to carry the depth of inventory on key parts so no matter what is going on in the supply chain, we can ensure that we have parts available for our customers.” “The new PDC is a demonstration of our commitment to doing everything we can to provide exceptional service to our customers,” added Phil Howard, director of Parts. The post Blaine Brothers Opens New DC In Minnesota appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

JKF Americas Inc, a subsidiary of JK Fenner (India) Ltd., has introduced its extensive Top Drive line of power-transmission products to the North, Central and South American markets. The launch of the Top Drive brand is especially timely for businesses that have seen delays and shortages in the supply chain, within the context of the emerging sourcing model across the world, the company noted. “The parent company has been at the forefront of nearly every advancement in drive belts and power-transmission products for decades, serving industries around the globe,” said Mohan Seshadri, business head – industrial and automotive products & exports. “The company and brand are aligned to deliver quality, performance and value that customers demand.” Top Drive industrial power-transmission products include: Belts – Classical V belts, wrapped belts, raw-edge cogged belts, poly-V belts, banded belts, synchronous belts, harvester belts and specialty beltsV cool pulleys, couplings and SMSRHydraulic and industrial hoses The Top Drive automotive-product line will debut at the AAPEX Show (Booth A33001) and includes: Belts – Poly-V belts, stretch poly-V belts, double sided poly-V belts, raw edge cog beltsHoses – Radiator, air intake, branched, silicon, fuelAuto tensioners For more information, call 919-922-8794, email [email protected] or visit https://jkfamericas.com. The post JFK Americans Launches Top Drive Power-Transmission Products appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Auto Care Association announced the addition of Ted Hughes as its new senior director of community engagement and AWDA executive director. Hughes will lead the association’s efforts to evolve community engagement among its members while also serving as the liaison between the association and its Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) community. In his role as senior director of community engagement, Hughes will be a key leader in establishing engagement strategies; communicating membership benefits to existing and prospective members while also strengthening the communities’ membership base; and implementing community practices and policies to provide association members with maximum value. As executive director of AWDA, Hughes will provide guidance and primary administrative support for all AWDA-related organizational activities, including assistance in the engagement, growth and retention of the 600-plus-member community. “I am very excited to have Ted on board,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “Ted’s experience in the aftermarket as well as his communication and customer relation skills made him a natural fit for this position. Our communities – especially AWDA, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary – are the backbone of the association and we are looking forward to further enhancing our community engagement for the betterment of the industry and the association.” “As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, it could not be more fitting than to have Ted as our executive director,” said Ryan Samuels, chair of AWDA and vice president at Buy Wise Auto Parts. “Our market and dynamics are changing, and we look forward to the new energy that Ted will bring to AWDA while helping to preserve our legacy.” Hughes brings more than 20 years of aftermarket experience to the association, with his most recent role being the head of marketing for MAHLE Aftermarket Inc. In his role as head of marketing, Hughes was responsible for promotions, public relations, advertising, motorsports programs and the advancement of all electronic and Web-based activities. Since 2020, Hughes has served as the vice chair of the Auto Care Association’s Marketing Communications Committee, and since 2020 as the chair of the Marketing Executives Committee for AASA. Learn more about the Auto Care Association’s member communities, including AWDA, at autocare.org/networking-and-development/communities. The post Ted Hughes Named AWDA Executive Director appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The AAM Group is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 AAM Scholarship. The AAM Group established The educational aid program to support full-time employees (and their families) of AAM member warehouses in the pursuit of their educational goals at a two-year community college or technical school or a four-year college at the undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate level. Each $1,000 scholarship is awarded for one year to a high school graduate in good scholastic standing. A committee of independent, third-party evaluators selected the following recipients, who each demonstrated the diligence, rigor and academic achievement the award stands for. Winners Hailey Huchkowski (Dix Performance): Graduated high school in June with a 4.0 GPA and plans to pursue a doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences.John T. Harris (AllPro Distributing): Graduated high school in June with a 4.395 GPA and intends to study biological sciences.Parker Larson (Motorville): Repeat winner graduated high school in 2019 with a 4.0 GPA. He is pursuing a degree in finance.Mark Rimmer (Lordco): Repeat winner who graduated high school last year with a 3.8 GPA. He is pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering. Application Details Each year’s AAM Scholarship application period opens April 15 and closes May 31. Applicants must be at least 16 years old on the day the application for the current year is due and have graduated high school or its equivalent with a minimum 3.0 GPA before July 1 of the year in which they will use the scholarship. Applicants must be a full-time employee of an AAM member or a child, grandchild, sister or brother of such an employee. Up to five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded each year. For complete program details, visit TheAAMGroup.com/scholarships. The post AAM Group Names Scholarship Recipients For 2022 appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Arnold Motor Supply and several aftermarket channel partners raised $40,000 leading up to the company’s 32nd golf and leisure event. Proceeds from the fundraiser have been donated to Tori’s Angels, a foundation helping children with life-threatening medical challenges. ”Tori’s Angels changes the lives of children and families across Iowa and beyond,” said Eric Johnson, managing partner at Arnold Motor Supply. “The son of one of our team members was accepted as the foundation’s 89th sponsored child. Alongside our valued channel partners, we were able to raise enough to help approximately eight more families.” Tori’s Angels pays for all medical and travel expenses not covered by insurance. Each child is supported from the date of acceptance until his/her 19th birthday. Channel Partners Recognized Arnold Motor Supply also recognized key channel partners during its annual event. BBB Industries received the Vendor of the Year award for the outstanding value BBB brings to the stores and distribution centers. “We partnered with BBB on a new category this year and saw immediate results,” said Brad Edwardson, vice president of business development at Arnold Motor Supply. “Once inventory was in place, the BBB team kicked off extensive training and forty-two scheduled days of fieldwork. We couldn’t ask for anything more from a partner.” The company named Brian Bouwkamp and Craig Johnson of The Heartland Group as Reps of the Year. The Heartland Group represents Rotary wheel-service products and related automotive and industrial equipment. “Our sales pros have the utmost confidence in Brian and Craig,” Edwardson said. “Their customer service on the selling and support side is why we’ve seen triple-digit growth in that category.” Arnold Motor Supply created a new award this year to recognize partners working alongside the company as it expands its store locations and distribution points. Arnold named Russ Wilshusen of Schnair Sales the Agency Partner of the Year for always going above and beyond, including helping with new-store setups. “It doesn’t matter the job, Russ jumps in to help,” Johnson said. “He’s everywhere we need him to be and we appreciate his constant dedication to our company.” The post Arnold Motor Supply, Channel Partners Raise $40,000 For Tori’s Angels Foundation 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 August/September contest is the Honda Clarity. The winner is Don Maloney, store manager at Carquest in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Now, let’s get to know the “Guess the Car” champion. CM: How long have you been working in the auto parts business? DM: About 15 years or so. CM: What do you like most about your job? DM: Talking to people about vehicles and helping them solve their problems – that’s usually the most fun. And you get to meet some very interesting people and hear some interesting analysis. CM: What’s the strangest question a customer has asked you? DM: What I like is the customer who comes in and buys oil and an oil filter and says, “OK, where do I pull the car around to get this done?” That’s probably the best question we get asked. We even get that question with belts and alternators and starters. CM: What’s the coolest car you’ve ever owned or worked on? DM: The coolest car I ever owned was a 1986 Mercedes 190E Cosworth. It was a four-door sedan with a Cosworth-built engine. It came standard with Recaro seats and a dogleg five-speed transmission. It was what they call a homologation car, which means that Mercedes had to build a certain number of these cars [for street use] and put them on the market for sale to qualify for a race series. CM: Do you have any interesting hobbies? What do you do for fun? DM: When you have seven grandkids, you pretty much have your days off occupied. That is my hobby, pretty much. CM: What’s your dream car? DM: My dream car would be a Mercedes 190E Evolution. There may be a few floating around the United States, but way beyond anything I could ever afford. The post Meet The ‘Guess The Car’ Champ: Don Maloney appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In our hyperconnected digital world, it’s everywhere – and it seems like it’s flowing more freely than ever. By 2025, the human race will generate more than 180 zettabytes of data, according to one forecast from Statista. For those of you scoring along at home, a zettabyte is a measure of digital storage capacity roughly equivalent to 1 sextillion bytes, sometimes expressed as 10 21 bytes – or 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 bytes. No matter how you slice it, that’s a lot of data. With more and more of our physical world now connected to the internet – from smartphones, TVs and appliances to thermostats, watches and fitness trackers – many of the devices and machines that we use on a daily basis are sending and receiving data. Our vehicles are no exception. Since the mid 1990s, technicians and vehicle owners have been able to access vehicle data by connecting a scan tool to the OBD II port underneath the dashboard. Today, most newer vehicles have the capability to transmit this information wirelessly. This wireless transmission of vehicle data is known as telematics. The word “telematics” is a combination of “telecommunication” and “informatics.” The two disciplines merged in the 1960s when the U.S. Department of Defense developed global positioning systems (GPS) to track military assets and improve communication, according to Geotab, a provider of telematics solutions for fleets. “Telematics owes its existence to three unique breakthroughs of modern technology: the internet, GPS and machine-to-machine communication (M2M),” Geotab explains in a 2021 blog post. A vehicle can gather a number of data points, including: Vehicle speedTrip distance and timeDriver behavior (steering, acceleration, braking, seatbelt use, idle time)When it needs repair and maintenance, and what needs to be doneThe vehicle’s GPS locationVehicle health, including fuel consumption, emissions and engine hours Because this telematics data currently is sent directly to the automakers – bypassing vehicle owners and independent repair facilities – the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) have been lobbying for national legislation that shifts control of the data to vehicle owners. In November 2020, the aftermarket scored a major victory in Massachusetts with the overwhelming passage of Ballot Question 1, which updates the state’s landmark 2013 “Right to Repair” law. The ballot initiative requires OEMs to equip vehicles sold in Massachusetts with a standardized data platform that will enable motorists to access their vehicles’ telematics data through a mobile app. However, at press time, the new regulation has yet to take effect, as the automakers have kept it tied up in the courts with ongoing legal challenges. It’s been a tough, grinding road for the aftermarket trade groups, who are up against the deep pockets of the OEMs. But there are other glimmers of hope. In Maine, a coalition of independent shop owners and employees recently filed an application with the Secretary of State’s Office announcing their intentions to put a similar Right to Repair referendum on the ballot in 2023. And earlier this year, U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush introduced the federal REPAIR Act, aiming to provide consumers with access to their vehicles’ telematics data. “American vehicle owners have a right to control their data, and a right to access third-party repair shops, tools and parts,” said U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson, a co-sponsor of the bill. “This bill would end manufacturers’ anti-competitive practices and restore consumer property rights.” Fleets Embracing Telematics Telematics has become an essential tool for commercial and government fleets. Working with telematics service providers (TSP) such as Geotab, fleet managers can gain valuable insights into the performance of their vehicles and the driving habits of their employees, which can help them optimize routes, reduce accidents, maximize fuel economy and anticipate maintenance and repair issues. SKF Vehicle Aftermarket recently introduced the TraX wheel-end monitor for fleets. Designed for Class 8 commercial vehicles and transit and coach buses, the bolt-on device intelligently monitors wheel-end vibration and temperature to detect potential issues such as impending bearing failures. “The TraX sensors are mounted on the outboard side of the wheels and are listening for early stages of bearing degradation,” explains Michael Hartman, director, national fleet sales at SKF Vehicle Aftermarket. “The TraX monitor is constantly collecting data samples and verifies the health of the bearings. If a bearing is failing, the TraX monitor will start broadcasting to the TSP and turn on a blinking LED light on the TraX unit to indicate that there’s an issue. This analytical notification takes place generally several thousand miles before catastrophic failure occurs.” Hartman asserts that telematics solutions such as the SKF TraX wheel-end monitor are “the future of aftermarket parts.” “Fleets can proactively utilize telematic/connected-component data to predict downtime, maximize component lifecycles, enhance preventative-maintenance scheduling and make informed, controlled purchases on their own terms while ensuring that they are maximizing their fleet’s uptime,” Hartman adds. The post Talking Telematics appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

First Brands Group has added 82 new part numbers to its Raybestos braking portfolio of friction, rotors and hydraulics that cover more than 25 million vehicles in operation (VIO). New brake-pad coverage now is available for late-model domestic- and foreign-nameplate passenger and transport vehicles, including the Ford Bronco, Escape, Maverick and Transit 150-350; Hyundai Palisade and Santa Fe; Kia Telluride; Lincoln Corsair; and Nissan Kicks and Versa. “As we celebrate the 120th anniversary of Raybestos this year, we remain steadfast to our commitment to adding new coverage to our product lines to support our installer customers and help them grow their brake businesses,” said Lou Kafantaris, director of marketing, braking, First Brands Group. “Our Raybestos product-engineering team works tirelessly to ensure that each product that they design matches OE form, fit and function. Products are extensively tested at our newly expanded R&D facility in McHenry, Illinois, to ensure we continuously strive to provide the highest quality brake products in the industry.” The complete family of Raybestos brake products include disc pads and shoes, drums and rotors, master cylinders, wheel cylinders, calipers, hoses and hardware. To learn more about new part numbers and their applications, customers should contact their First Brands Group representative. The post First Brands Group Adds New Raybestos Coverage appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

IMR Inc., a full-service automotive market research firm, has released its latest insight, an update from its 2021 insight on the importance of private-label and national-branded parts at independent repair shops. As of August 2022, more parts purchasers at independent repair shops reported knowing what brand was in the private-label box (20.8%) compared to 2021 (19.6%), with purchasers at smaller shops (one to three bays) more likely to know what was in the private-label box (22.6%) compared to larger shops with eight or more bays, where purchasers were less likely to know what was in the private-label box (16.4%). This year’s survey results showed that 40.8% of shops said that their first-call supplier carried mostly private-label parts with only a few national-branded parts options, which is a decrease from 2021 survey results, at 42.6%. Of that 40.8%, 19.1% said that they go to another supplier to purchase nationally branded parts, 10.3% said that they always or frequently do and 66.7% said that they occasionally do. When shops were asked about the likelihood of switching their first-call supplier if it changed to offer majority private-label brands with limited national brands, only 6% of shops said that they definitely or very likely would switch, compared to 2021 survey results, where 15.2% of shops said that they definitely or very likely would make the switch. However, of the 59.2% of shops that said their first-call supplier doesn’t have heavy private-label branded categories, the number of those who would definitely/very likely switch rises to 8.8%, and another 13.5% say they would be likely to make a switch. Overall, more than half of shops surveyed reported in 2022 that they occasionally go to another supplier for nationally branded parts at 66.7%, while 17.9% rarely go to another supplier. 10.3% reported going to another supplier frequently and 0% reported always going to a different supplier for nationally branded parts. For more information on IMR Inc., visit automotiveresearch.com. The most recent Insights from IMR Inc. can be found here. The post IMR Publishes New Insights On Private-Label Parts appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

AutoZone reported net sales of $5.3 billion for its fourth quarter ending Aug. 27, an 8.9% year-over-year increase. Domestic same-store sales, or sales for stores open at least one year, increased 6.2% for the quarter. “Our results are a testament to our AutoZoners’ ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional customer service every day,” AutoZone CEO Bill Rhodes said. “ Our retail business performed well this quarter ending with positive same-store sales on top of last year’s strong performance. And, our commercial-business growth continued to be exceptionally strong at 22%. The investments we have made in both inventory availability and technology are enhancing our competitive positioning. We are optimistic about our growth prospects heading into our new fiscal year.” For AutoZone’s 2022 fiscal year, sales were up 11.1% to $16.3 billion, while domestic same-store sales were up 8.4%. For fiscal 2022, net income increased 11.9% to $2.4 billion and diluted earnings per share increased 23.1% to $117.19. “We are committed to being the best place to shop for everyone’s automotive needs while delivering on our ongoing promise to be a great place to work,” Rhodes said. “We believe our initiatives will drive growth in the new fiscal year. As we continue to prudently invest capital in our business, we remain steadfast in our long-term, disciplined approach to increasing operating earnings and cash flows while utilizing our balance sheet effectively.” During the fiscal year, AutoZone opened 118 new stores and closed one in the United States, opened 39 stores in Mexico and 20 stores in Brazil. As of Aug. 27, the company had 6,168 stores in the United States, 703 in Mexico and 72 in Brazil for a total store count of 6,943. The post AutoZone’s Fiscal Q4 Sales Up 9% appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts has announced a $25,000 donation to Breathitt County Area Technology Center, a technical school in Jackson, Kentucky, that serves approximately 400 local students in grades 8-12. The donated funds will assist with rebuilding efforts of the school’s automotive technology program following the devastating flooding that impacted Eastern Kentucky over the summer. On Wednesday, Sept. 21, team members from Advance presented the donation to Breathitt County Area Technology Center principal Joseph Mayabb and auto tech instructor Darryl Cole at Hazard Community and Technical College, Lees College Campus, in Jackson. Breathitt County Area Technology Center will hold classes and all operations at Hazard Community and Technical College for the foreseeable future. “Our friends, neighbors and communities in Kentucky are still hurting,” said Advance district manager and Kentucky resident Matt Belcher. “During this difficult time, our local team is humbled and grateful to help Breathitt’s auto tech program and their students with this donation. We admire Breathitt’s educators and staff for the work they do in training future auto technicians. Together, we can work toward rebuilding communities across Eastern Kentucky.” Breathitt County Area Technology Center experienced significant damage throughout its campus. Flood waters reached more than 5 feet in some places, destroying most of the automotive training tools and other essential items in the building. Advance’s donation will help replace equipment used by auto tech instructors and students. “This has been a very difficult time for everyone in our community,” said Breathitt County Area Technology Center’s principal, Joseph Mayabb. “Although we are down, we are not out. With an incredible staff of instructors who are taking care of these students and their needs, and generous partners and businesses such as Advance Auto Parts, we will continue to educate our students and position them for growth and success.” Breathitt County Area Technology Center offers five career pathways for students: auto tech, business, carpentry, electricity and health sciences. Students enrolling in the auto tech program learn to diagnose, repair and maintain all types of vehicles and vehicle functions, such as brake and electrical systems; engines and transmissions; suspension; steering; and heating and cooling systems. The post Advance Gives $25,000 To Tech School In Flood-Ravaged Kentucky appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Following a successful first year, Continental’s “Make Power Smart” app is announcing a new version of the app that will include updates and enhancements for the user. The app also will be available for download in Europe for Android and iOS. Updates and improvements include: User registration – Allows users to sign up and manage drive systems properly for a better customer experience Multiple languages – The app now is available in English, German, French, Spanish and Italian.Belt ID –Allows forselection of the belt category and access to the product specification page for an easy identification and application Drive calculation – Easily calculate and select a belt for a two-pulley system. This latest version of the app provides a more complete product range of V-belts and timing belts for North America(previously it was only possible to calculate drives based on the Synchrochain Carbon).Tension2Go –The ability tomeasure the tension value of a drive system in a very fast, easy and intuitive wayPulley-center distance – The ability to measure the diameter of the pulley, the center distance and the wrapping angle from a picture “At Continental, we are always looking for new and improved ways to provide value to our customers,” said Jenelle Ogburn, head of Americas Industrial Distribution, Power Transmission Group. “The Make Power Smart app has been a successful step of launching into the digital age to help our customers do work easily and effectively, and we’re excited to enhance the user experience and grow the app outside of the North American market.” The app allows users to get a digital and interactive analysis of a belt with just a few clicks on their smartphone. It also provides important data on the drive condition, enabling users to improve the belt drives themselves on the site – with all of the tools needed on one easily accessible app. The Make Power Smart app originally was conceived as part of Continental’s internal innovation competition and later was chosen as the winner. It originally launched in summer 2021 and has consistently received positive reviews from customers. The app is available for download in the AppStore and Playstore. In case you already have the app installed on your mobile device, please update it to the latest version that’s available now. The post Continental Upgrades ‘Make Power Smart’ App appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

As luck would have it, I have the perfect serpentine-belt story to demonstrate: 1) the strange side of automotive repair; 2) the crazy things you have to deal with as a counter professional; and 3) that professional technicians can make mistakes, even when we don’t realize it. A few years back, a friend of mine had driven to Georgia for a month-long visit with family. While they were down there, one of the front brakes locked up. They took the car to a local shop, which quoted them a lot more money than they could afford to fix the car. Since they were a close friend, and since I always looked for an excuse for a road trip, I agreed to help. I was confident in their description of the problem, and even though I had never worked on the vehicle – a 1991 Lincoln Town Car – I was sure the problem was either a caliper or a hose. I bought all the brake parts I could possibly need, rented the cheapest econo-box car I could find for one way, filled the trunk with parts and tools and set the cruise control for Georgia. As soon as I arrived, I transferred my cargo to the Town Car, turned in the rental and went to work. All I needed to do was fix it just enough so the car would make it back to Ohio and the comfort of my shop. I slapped on the caliper, bled it out and it was ready to go. However, before hitting the road, I did a quick check-over of the rest of the car. My only serious concern was the serpentine belt. It was severely cracked and worn – probably one of the worst I had seen. I envisioned it falling apart somewhere in the mountains, so I thought it was best to replace it. On the way to the freeway, I stopped at one of the large auto parts stores and bought a belt. Since I hadn’t planned on this, I also had to buy a serpentine-belt tool. The belt took me longer than normal to replace because the accessories on the bottom of the engine were difficult to get to, but I could see them well enough to know the belt was on correctly, and all the pulleys and tensioners seemed OK. I started it up, the belt ran true, so I was good to go. The freeway was still a couple miles and a half-dozen traffic lights away. Sitting at the very last light before 600-plus miles of open road, the car suddenly started making a terrible noise under the hood. The rhythmic nature of the noise told me something was wrong with what I had just done. I dodged the entrance ramp for the side of the road. The new serpentine belt had completely shredded and fallen apart. I removed the remains of it, and luckily still had the old one in the trunk. I double-checked all the pulleys and tensioners and could see no problem, so I reinstalled the old belt. Clearly, it couldn’t have been my mistake, so I blamed the belt for being defective. But, I still wanted a new one for the trip, so I returned to the auto parts store. I explained the problem, but they didn’t have another one. They refunded my money with no questions asked – which was, from a standpoint of customer service, the correct thing to do, and from my standpoint, also correct since a defective part wasn’t my problem. With no option for a new belt, I had no choice but to cross my fingers and make the trip. I made it back without a single problem. The next week I took the car into the shop to properly finish up the brake work and install another new belt. This time the car was on the lift, so I draped the belt in place from the top, and as I always do, raised the car up so I could loop the belt around the accessories on the bottom. Then I saw the problem. It turned out the correct belt for the car was a seven-rib belt. Someone in the past had installed an earlier-model A/C compressor that had a six-rib pulley, and they had installed a six-rib belt so it would work. Oops. In my apparent haste, I didn’t notice that when changing the belt. Of course, a six-rib belt works fine on seven-rib pulleys. But when the seven-rib belt was forced to work on the six-rib pulley, it shredded like cheese going on a pizza. The counter professional where I bought the belt didn’t question whether or not it was defective. He just refunded my money. But he could have questioned it and maybe he should have, and not necessarily with the intent to say I had made a mistake, but in the interest of figuring out what had happened. Admittedly, I was surprised by the “defective” belt, but my confidence got in the way of common sense. Had I been questioned, I may have thought a little harder and began to wonder if indeed I had missed something. Well, we all make mistakes. Selling Serpentine Belts So, what goes into selling serpentine belts? The application is normally the easy part unless you have a crazy story like mine, but you may often be asked how to tell if the belt is worn out. Small cracks in the top surface of the teeth are normal and common, even with low miles on a belt. When the cracks extend all the way down to base of the teeth, that’s a belt that should be replaced. The more prevalent indicator, however, is the cross-section of the teeth. When they’re new, the belt teeth aren’t pointy. They are squared-off at the top, and the cross-section of the belt will mate perfectly in the pulley grooves, providing maximum contact area. When the belt wears, the teeth become pointy and the cross-section of the belt changes drastically, reducing the contact area. These visual inspections almost always allow you to make an easy decision about the belt. However, if condition ever is in question, and the vehicle owner isn’t sure of age or mileage, then it’s time to replace it. But the belt isn’t the only factor. Idler pulleys and tensioner pulleys are ideal upsell recommendations. Any loss of proper tension and any misalignment – both of which can be caused by worn idler or tensioner pulleys – will cause premature belt wear and/or noise. Noise is the big one, and usually the first thing that makes people think about replacing the belt. Serpentine belts normally run very quiet, which is one of the reasons we like them so much. Any squeaking or chirping usually gets blamed on the belt, and usually it’s the reason they’re replaced. Make no mistake: A worn belt certainly can make noise, but usually it’s in combination with other factors. It’s not uncommon to install a new serpentine belt to remedy a squeaking noise, only to find the noise is still there. In most of these cases, the belt truly needed replaced, but think of the perception by the customer. If they’re not aware of the other factors involved, they’re going to blame it on the quality of the belt. It happens often. Go figure! Who would ever claim a new serpentine belt was defective? As I previously mentioned, incorrect alignment or incorrect tension can and will cause noise. In addition to pulley and tensioner condition, when the belt is installed, it makes a great straight edge. If it’s not perfect, then something is misaligned. The most common culprit for noise, however, is dirt, debris and particles lodged in the accessory pulleys. If you don’t see it at first, look closer. It often collects in the base of the pulley grooves. As innocent as it may look, it will cause you to pull your hair out chasing a noise. There are plenty of ideas floating around about how to clean them, but the bottom line is that it simply doesn’t matter. Clean is clean. Here’s the catch. Often, the debris is embedded in the grooves to the point where you have to dig or scrape it out with a pick, then follow it up with a wire brush. It’s not always fun, but it’s the only way to ensure no noise from the belt. You can use any solvent or degreaser you want, but that’s just the finishing touch. The physical debris must be removed, all the way around each and every pulley. When it comes to upsells, belt tools are nice to have in stock. These are generally just for releasing the tension on the belt, but there’s another tool that’s a long metal rod with two metal “fingers” on the end. They are designed to grab and maneuver the belt, so you can install it in cars with very limited space to work. These can be a real lifesaver. If the car has more than one belt, it’s a good idea to recommend all of them at the same time. If one is worn out, the other most likely will be too. It’s almost always a dirty job too, and one that causes a lot of skinned knuckles because you’re working in such a tight space. Shop towels and mechanics gloves are a great recommendation. If they don’t want gloves, point them to the nearest drug store to pick up Band-Aids on the way home. They’ll probably need them! Last but not least are stretch belts. All the same rules for wear and inspection still apply, but there’s no tensioner. They have an elastic core that allows them to keep tension on the pulleys. They work great. Period. But installation is different. You absolutely must use the correct tool. It’s not that the tools are earth-shattering wonders; they simply provide a smooth ramp to guide the belts in place. If you do it any other way, you risk damaging, and most likely will damage, the belt. Oh yeah, and for the record, I didn’t put another six-rib belt on the Town Car. I installed the correct A/C compressor pulley and put a seven-rib belt on the car. The way it should have been. The post Serpentine Belts appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Automotive Aftermarket Riders Club (AARC) will “Ride for the Future” this October to fund scholarships and educational opportunities for the next generation of industry professionals. AARC encourages those who support its mission to donate to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, sponsor a rider or join AARC on this year’s epic adventure. The scenic ride will begin at Eagle Rider Rentals and Tours in Las Vegas on Thursday, Oct. 27, with the riders heading to Zion National Park in Southern Utah and Lake Powell in Northern Arizona. The following day, the riders will spend the day at the Grand Canyon before heading back to Las Vegas on Oct. 29 via Kingman, Arizona on Route 66. 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 Jim McGonagle at [email protected]. To support the AARC Ride for the Future by making a donation to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, visit UofA-Foundation.org and click on the donate tab or download and submit the AARC donor form from the resources section of the UAF website. The post Automotive Aftermarket Riders Club ‘Ride For The Future’ Set For Oct. 27 appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Continental has introduced a new floor display as a part of its ClearContact commercial-duty wiper-blades program. The display can accommodate an assortment of up to 70 wiper blades that can be selected by the retailer or service facility. Continental will help customize a product mix that best fits the customer’s sales and applications needs. The ClearContact commercial-duty line includes 43 part numbers in lengths from 10 to 40 inches. The blades are specially engineered for commercial trucks, RVs, transit buses, school buses, motorcoaches and off-highway vehicles. “This high-impact display is an excellent sales tool for service centers, truck stops and parts retailers for commercial-duty vehicles and RVs,” said Laura Huerst, Continental product manager. “It features a very small footprint of 18 inches long by 18 inches wide by 63.5 inches high and the display header card includes a QR code that links directly to an application guide, allowing customers to find the exact blades they need. This gives retailers the ability to stock the wiper blades they sell most often, maximizing coverage with minimal inventory.” Continental’s ClearContact commercial-duty wiper blades are designed for a simple and fast installation and come with all the necessary hardware required to install. They feature a reinforced steel frame and precision-cut natural rubber wiper blade to ensure clear vision, edge-to-edge wiping and reliability in all weather conditions. ClearContact commercial-duty blades are available in four designs including flat, five bar, wide saddle and hook. They provide coverage for a wide range of vehicle applications on Class 1 through Class 8 trucks, buses, motorcoaches and Class A, B and C motorhomes. For more information, visit clearcontact.com or contact [email protected]. The post Continental Introduces Floor Display For Commercial-Duty Wipers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article