Counterman

Auto-Wares Group of Companies announced that Joe Stewart is its 2022 Technician of the Year. Stewart is the shop foreman at The Brighton Garage in Brighton, Michigan, an Auto Value Certified Service Center since April 2021. Every year, Auto-Wares chooses one technician from its Certified Service Center Network to represent the company at an all-expenses paid trip to the National Alliance Technician of the Year competition. This year, the competition will be held July 11-14 in Detroit. In 2021, the competition brought together 12 individuals from across North America, and 2022 is expected to bring together a similar number. Stewart and the other finalists will take a live custom ASE Technician of the Year exam, in which a winner will be determined based on the highest final test score. The trip also includes visits to the Henry Ford Museum and the Ford Rouge factory tour, and an opportunity to drive on the M1 Concourse track. Finalists were judged based on a combination of training hours attended, variety of education received, volunteer/extracurricular activity participation and passion for the industry, along with reference letters and letters of recommendations. “Tech of the Year brings out the best in our network each year,” said Dan Hosler, Certified Service Center program manager for Auto-Wares. “This year was no exception, and it didn’t take long to realize that Joe’s level of training, experience and professionalism is exactly what we are looking for.” The Brighton Garage is part of The Detroit Garage Auto Family, a group of industry-leading automotive repair shops, world-class technicians and a sales and support staff second to none, according to its website. “Joe is constantly growing and training as a technician and has been throughout his career,” said Daniel Groen, regional manager for The Detroit Garage. “He actively trains our new team members, pushing them to obtain professional success and pride with ASE certifications. This persistent pursuit of auto repair knowledge and growth is some of what sets Joe apart from his peers. Hybrid, electrical and diesel vehicles do not deter Joe from the industry but inspire him to gain the expertise to lead his facility – and someday multiple facilities – to the success this challenging industry can achieve.” Auto-Wares Group of Companies is a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based aftermarket automotive distribution company serving the Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin markets. Auto-Wares Group of Companies is a member of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance and does business under the Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper Part Stores name. Auto-Wares currently has more than 200 corporate-owned and nearly 100 independently owned part stores, and a network of more than 675 Certified Service Centers. The post Auto-Wares Names Joe Stewart 2022 Technician Of The Year appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Autolite has released its list of sponsored racing teams for the 2022 season. This year’s list features nationwide competitors across the kart, stock car, dirt track, drag racing and motocross circuits. Throughout the 2022 season, Autolite will provide the necessary support to more than two dozen Autolite racing teams who will represent the spark plug brand in hundreds of competitive events across the United States. “Racing is really heating up this year and Autolite is proud to be part of the excitement and competition,” said Carl Weber, senior marketing director, First Brands Group. “We’re confident that our support and high-performance spark plugs will give the Autolite racing teams a competitive edge.” For more than 85 years, Autolite has used its quality-specific focus to engineer effective ignition solutions for consumer vehicles, race cars, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, boats, lawn and garden equipment and many other gas-powered engines. See the Team Autolite roster and a schedule of their upcoming races at autolite.com on the motorsports page. The post Autolite Racing Teams Rev Up For 2022 Season appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

After an extensive aftermarket career working in parts stores, machine shops and with major aftermarket suppliers, Steve Tucker, who was named president of Automotive Parts Associates (APA) in February 2021, describes moving to the program group side of the business as a “shock.” “You spend a lot of time in this business, and you think you know everything, and then, you switch gears and find out you know very little,” Tucker says. “It gave me a great perspective on how the customer thinks. No matter how much time you spend on the other side of the desk, when you get on this side of the desk, you start seeing things with new eyes.” During his “AMN Drivetime” podcast interview with Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox, Tucker also shared that working with the group of people at APA has been “another eye opener” for him. “We all read about how the aftermarket is shrinking and consolidating and all those things, and the big box guys are taking share – and no doubt a lot of that is true – but what I really find is that all of these independent warehouse distributors are very entrepreneurial. Over here at APA, probably more so than some of the other groups. We have a lot of guys that have found a niche and it’s really hard to get people out of that niche. They’re high-end European or Asian or tuner specialists or heavy truck specialists. I call us ‘the Island of Misfit Toys.’ We have people who fit in here who may not fit in any other group, and you know, I enjoy being the leader of those ‘Misfit Toys.’” In this episode of “AMN Drivetime,” Bill and Steve dive into the following topics: 1:34 How leading APA has been an “eye-opener” after a career on the supplier side 3:47 How Program Groups Stay Competitive 4:28 The critical importance of solid data for program group members 5:29 His passion for finding new brands 7:15 Plans for APA’s future growth: “If you don’t grow, you die.” 8:23 The biggest issues APA members are concerned about today 9:45 A look back at Steve’s career on the supplier side 11:00 Steve’s secret hidden talent (spoiler alert: his go-to karaoke song is … ) 12:08: The biggest issues the industry should stay focused on today 13:50 The popular new Lightning Round! “AMN Drivetime” is sponsored by Litens. Watch the video Listen to the podcast The post APA’s Steve Tucker And His ‘Island Of Misfit Toys’ [Video] appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

After an extensive aftermarket career working in parts stores, machine shops and with major aftermarket suppliers, Steve Tucker, who was named president of Automotive Parts Associates (APA) in February 2021, describes moving to the program group side of the business as a “shock.” “You spend a lot of time in this business, and you think you know everything, and then, you switch gears and find out you know very little,” Tucker says. “It gave me a great perspective on how the customer thinks. No matter how much time you spend on the other side of the desk, when you get on this side of the desk, you start seeing things with new eyes.” During his “AMN Drivetime” podcast interview with Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox, Tucker also shared that working with the group of people at APA has been “another eye opener” for him. “We all read about how the aftermarket is shrinking and consolidating and all those things, and the big box guys are taking share – and no doubt a lot of that is true – but what I really find is that all of these independent warehouse distributors are very entrepreneurial. Over here at APA, probably more so than some of the other groups. We have a lot of guys that have found a niche and it’s really hard to get people out of that niche. They’re high-end European or Asian or tuner specialists or heavy truck specialists. I call us ‘the Island of Misfit Toys.’ We have people who fit in here who may not fit in any other group, and you know, I enjoy being the leader of those ‘Misfit Toys.’” In this episode of “AMN Drivetime,” Bill and Steve dive into the following topics: 1:34 How leading APA has been an “eye-opener” after a career on the supplier side 3:47 How Program Groups Stay Competitive 4:28 The critical importance of solid data for program group members 5:29 His passion for finding new brands 7:15 Plans for APA’s future growth: “If you don’t grow, you die.” 8:23 The biggest issues APA members are concerned about today 9:45 A look back at Steve’s career on the supplier side 11:00 Steve’s secret hidden talent (spoiler alert: his go-to karaoke song is … ) 12:08: The biggest issues the industry should stay focused on today 13:50 The popular new Lightning Round! “AMN Drivetime” is sponsored by Litens. Watch the video Listen to the podcast The post APA’s Steve Tucker And His ‘Island Of Misfit Toys’ [Video] appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

After an extensive aftermarket career working in parts stores, machine shops and with major aftermarket suppliers, Steve Tucker, who was named president of Automotive Parts Associates (APA) in February 2021, describes moving to the program group side of the business as a “shock.” “You spend a lot of time in this business, and you think you know everything, and then, you switch gears and find out you know very little,” Tucker says. “It gave me a great perspective on how the customer thinks. No matter how much time you spend on the other side of the desk, when you get on this side of the desk, you start seeing things with new eyes.” During his “AMN Drivetime” podcast interview with Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox, Tucker also shared that working with the group of people at APA has been “another eye opener” for him. “We all read about how the aftermarket is shrinking and consolidating and all those things, and the big box guys are taking share – and no doubt a lot of that is true – but what I really find is that all of these independent warehouse distributors are very entrepreneurial. Over here at APA, probably more so than some of the other groups. We have a lot of guys that have found a niche and it’s really hard to get people out of that niche. They’re high-end European or Asian or tuner specialists or heavy truck specialists. I call us ‘the Island of Misfit Toys.’ We have people who fit in here who may not fit in any other group, and you know, I enjoy being the leader of those ‘Misfit Toys.’” In this episode of “AMN Drivetime,” Bill and Steve dive into the following topics: 1:34 How leading APA has been an “eye-opener” after a career on the supplier side 3:47 How Program Groups Stay Competitive 4:28 The critical importance of solid data for program group members 5:29 His passion for finding new brands 7:15 Plans for APA’s future growth: “If you don’t grow, you die.” 8:23 The biggest issues APA members are concerned about today 9:45 A look back at Steve’s career on the supplier side 11:00 Steve’s secret hidden talent (spoiler alert: his go-to karaoke song is … ) 12:08: The biggest issues the industry should stay focused on today 13:50 The popular new Lightning Round! “AMN Drivetime” is sponsored by Litens. Watch the video Listen to the podcast The post APA’s Steve Tucker And His ‘Island Of Misfit Toys’ [Video] appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

After an extensive aftermarket career working in parts stores, machine shops and with major aftermarket suppliers, Steve Tucker, who was named president of Automotive Parts Associates (APA) in February 2021, describes moving to the program group side of the business as a “shock.” “You spend a lot of time in this business, and you think you know everything, and then, you switch gears and find out you know very little,” Tucker says. “It gave me a great perspective on how the customer thinks. No matter how much time you spend on the other side of the desk, when you get on this side of the desk, you start seeing things with new eyes.” During his “AMN Drivetime” podcast interview with Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox, Tucker also shared that working with the group of people at APA has been “another eye opener” for him. “We all read about how the aftermarket is shrinking and consolidating and all those things, and the big box guys are taking share – and no doubt a lot of that is true – but what I really find is that all of these independent warehouse distributors are very entrepreneurial. Over here at APA, probably more so than some of the other groups. We have a lot of guys that have found a niche and it’s really hard to get people out of that niche. They’re high-end European or Asian or tuner specialists or heavy truck specialists. I call us ‘the Island of Misfit Toys.’ We have people who fit in here who may not fit in any other group, and you know, I enjoy being the leader of those ‘Misfit Toys.’” In this episode of “AMN Drivetime,” Bill and Steve dive into the following topics: 1:34 How leading APA has been an “eye-opener” after a career on the supplier side 3:47 How Program Groups Stay Competitive 4:28 The critical importance of solid data for program group members 5:29 His passion for finding new brands 7:15 Plans for APA’s future growth: “If you don’t grow, you die.” 8:23 The biggest issues APA members are concerned about today 9:45 A look back at Steve’s career on the supplier side 11:00 Steve’s secret hidden talent (spoiler alert: his go-to karaoke song is … ) 12:08: The biggest issues the industry should stay focused on today 13:50 The popular new Lightning Round! “AMN Drivetime” is sponsored by Litens. Watch the video Listen to the podcast The post APA’s Steve Tucker And His ‘Island Of Misfit Toys’ [Video] appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Many years ago, in high school to be exact, a friend of mine drove a 1980 Ford Thunderbird. He began to complain that the vehicle was losing power and it was getting worse and worse. I was always working on my own car and generally was known as a “car guy,” so he asked me what I thought. I asked him if he had checked the air filter recently. “Air filter?” he responded. Admittedly, I knew very little about cars at the time, and my response was the only thing I could think of. Out to the parking lot we went. Not being able to get the lid off the air cleaner was a bad sign, and when we finally did, completely plugged was an understatement. Naturally, a new air filter fixed his problem. I was a little full of myself after that, but I never told anyone it was a lucky guess. Even though I’ve never seen one that bad since, as a technician, I’ve had many opportunities to sell air filters. The job is a little easier for us because we are most likely holding a visual representation in our hands – one we can show the customer. This is a tactic that often works well, especially if you have a new one to compare side-by-side. Sometimes it’s an easier sell than others, as some people understand the importance of the air filter; this usually is the staunch oil-change crowd. But, others are skeptical and take a little more convincing. Selling, for me, always has been based on fact. I often first ask if they can remember the last time it was changed. If not, it’s probably due for replacement, and I stick to the once-a-year rule. But you always have to make exceptions based on an inspection, and with vehicles that are driven only seasonally or driven very little, at minimum I have to see dirt collecting in the base of the pleats, or a noticeable discoloration before recommending replacement. If a customer is still skeptical, I explain that since a plugged air filter can completely keep a vehicle from running, even 10% blockage can begin to affect performance. I also like to point out that the effects of a dirty filter were more noticeable on older vehicles, and modern fuel-management systems can compensate for reduced air flow. This is good for drivability and emissions, but bad for overall performance. Along with other normal maintenance items, it’s easy for a vehicle owner to overlook a dirty or plugged air filter with no warning signs from their vehicle. Be prepared for questions about high-performance, because you will get them. Many people ask about high-flow filters, cold-air intakes or, on an older vehicle, ditching the original air cleaner for a round chrome replacement. Don’t be intimidated by performance questions. Here’s what you need to know to answer them with confidence. High-Flow Filters High-flow performance filters are a very common upgrade. They typically are recognized and associated with a color, as opposed to the traditional white paper element. Often pinkish/red, the color is from a dyed oil that’s soaked into the element. The elements typically are a cotton weave, held in place by a wire mesh. The weave is looser than a standard paper air filter, allowing a greater volume of air to pass through. Since the loose weave cannot filter out the smaller particles, it is soaked in oil, and the particles will, in turn, stick to the oil. Dye is used in the oil so there is an easily noticeable contrast between the oil and the element, allowing you to ensure that all areas are saturated. Even though red is the most common, there are multiple other colors available. These types of filters absolutely flow better, and it’s often noticeable in engine-performance characteristics. But they do require regular cleaning and re-oiling to maintain their level of performance. You can be confident about selling them and touting the increased flow, but I do warn people that when they clean and oil them, be sure to heed the instructions, and don’t over-oil them. There always have been “rumors” of these types of filters damaging mass airflow sensors, but they are largely unfounded, and over-oiling them is the only thing that could possibly contribute to this. American History If you have a customer with an old car who wants to install a round chrome air cleaner, you might not change their mind, but there are many facts about the original factory air cleaners that often are overlooked. Many people think they’re an eyesore compared to a shiny new chrome one, but there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye. The inside of the air cleaner is designed to smoothly direct the airflow up to the top while reducing turbulence, so the air can be smoothly drawn down through the carburetor. They have a snorkel extending off them to pick up cool air from the side of the engine compartment, and the snorkel also is designed to increase the velocity of the air as it enters the air cleaner. In addition, the snorkel design incorporates a pickup for warm air to be drawn from around the exhaust manifold up into the air cleaner for improved cold-weather drivability. On the main body of the air cleaner, there also is a filtered pickup for fresh air into the crankcase as part of the positive crankcase ventilation system, so they are important for emissions too. Theoretically, this is all great information, but if someone wants a chrome air cleaner, I get it. They look great, and they’re a common characteristic of some old muscle cars. The completely exposed element offers the maximum amount of airflow necessary for the type of performance sought in these cars. The minor affect on drivability due to lack of a heat riser and less air velocity at low RPM isn’t missed on a car with straight-line, high-RPM performance in mind, and one that most likely is only driven in the summer. I do like to point out that there were a handful of top-dog muscle cars that originally came with chrome open-element air cleaners. On these cars, the crankcase ventilation was routed to the air-filter base, and the aftermarket units generally have a stamped breakout in the base and come with a fitting so this can be reconnected. I always encourage them to reconnect these emission-related devices. If your customer is replacing the air filter on an old vehicle with an OE air cleaner, it’s important to use a high-quality filter and always look it up for the application. You can’t see it when the lid is on, but the filter is designed to seal on the top and bottom so that all air flows through it. If a filter is installed that’s even a little bit too short, unfiltered air will be drawn over the top of the filter into the engine, plus mice can fit through just about any small crack, and that carburetor is an awfully inviting cubby to store the kibbles and bits you keep in the garage. How’s Your Cabin Filter? When a customer asks about an air filter, it opens the door to other opportunities. The most prevalent is the cabin filter. Most vehicles have them now, and as common as they are, the majority of them still get neglected. There’s a lot at stake inside the heater box, and aside from the obvious benefit of fresh air, it’s the clean, dry air flowing through the system that can prevent bacteria, odors and corrosion of the A/C evaporator and heater core. It’s nice to have all the knowledge, but it’s important to use it to your advantage. I’m careful about directly answering questions and not going too deep. Let your customer guide the direction of the sale. If they want stock, go stock. If they want performance, go performance. If you get too deep, you can scare someone off. Present them with fact, caution them when necessary and share the part of your knowledge that helps the sale. After all, that’s our goal and that’s how we make a living. The post Air Filters: Know The Flow appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In an ongoing effort to expand its current product offering for the North American automotive aftermarket, AISIN has expanded its line of premium window regulators. The launch includes late-model Asian, domestic and European vehicle applications. The 201 SKUs include: 95 power with motor (51 of the “smart motor” type covering Honda/Acura, Nissan and Mazda vehicle applications)53 power regulator only46 motor onlySeven manual only All AISIN window regulators are designed and manufactured to the highest OE level standards, according to the company. “AISIN continues to bring needed premium-quality parts to the aftermarket, which is reflected by this newly expanded product offering,” said Larrow Kaufman, senior sales manager for AISIN Aftermarket North America. For more information, visit aisinaftermarket.com. The post AISIN Expands Line Of Premium Window Regulators appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Schaeffler is launching a range of aftermarket bearings, seals and housings for agricultural equipment and machinery. Schaeffler’s comprehensive line of OE-quality bearings are specifically engineered to the precise performance parameters of agricultural applications, including tractors, harvesters and tillage machines. Reliable and dependable bearing solutions are critical in minimizing equipment downtime. Schaeffler’s heavy-duty bearings are designed to support the constant vibrations and high shock loads of agricultural machinery. The bearings feature a unique corrosion-protection system – Schaeffler’s Corrotect coating – that facilitates reliable operation in every environment and helps increase the operating life of heavy equipment and machinery, according to the company. The three-piece-seal concept retains the high-quality grease and helps prevent contamination and moisture from reaching the interior of the bearing. Schaeffler is further expanding its product line with metric-sized bearings and is providing both metric and imperial-sized bearings for agricultural applications in North America. Equipment owners and operators now can choose from more than 200 easy-to-mount options for a diameter range of 10 to 120 mm. The new metric offering compliments Schaeffler’s existing line of imperial-sized bearings, which already includes more than 400 SKUs. Aftermarket bearings for agricultural applications include radial-insert ball bearings and housing units; sealed deep-groove ball bearings and angular-contact ball bearings; tapered roller bearings; and bearings with hexagonal and square bores. For more information on the product line and technical specifications, please download the Radial Insert Ball Bearing and Housing Units product catalog. The post Schaeffler Launches Bearing Line For Agricultural Equipment appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Transtar Industries, a Cleveland-based distributor of transmission and driveline-related solutions, has launched a comprehensive line of vehicle air-conditioning parts, components and tools. The Transtar A/C product line is the organization’s first entry into non-transmission or driveline parts in its 47-year history. It signals a significant investment in the company’s commitment to supporting repair shops’ evolving needs, the company noted in a news release. “Vehicles are evolving, and so are our customers’ parts needs,” Executive Vice President Tom DeMille said. “We’ve supported shops since three-speed transmissions, and we’ll be there to support them with other complex vehicle repair, hybrid batteries and anything else the future of automotive throws our way.” The Transtar A/C product line offers a complete line of air-conditioning parts and covers thousands of vehicles from 1970 to today, according to the company. Customers will benefit from all-new aftermarket clutches and compressors, condensers and evaporators, expansion valves and more – easily searchable on www.transend.us/ac. “Our cutting-edge parts lookup and ordering platform, Transend, continues to improve and drive innovations in parts ordering,” CEO Neil Sethi asserted. “I am proud of our Transtar A/C product line and confident we are launching at the optimal time, as temperatures rise throughout the U.S.” Interested parties can search for and order parts on Transend by registering for a free account. Get started by visiting www.transend.us/action/register/customer. The post Transtar Expands Into First Non-Transmission Product Category appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Kurk Wilks, president and CEO of MANN+HUMMEL, has been elected vice chairman of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) board of directors. Wilks joined the MEMA board in 2021. “Having Kurk as a vice chairman of the MEMA board is aligned with our mission to advance the business interests of the vehicle supplier community,” said Marc Blackman, president and COO, Gold Eagle, and chairman of the MEMA board. “I look forward to working with Kurk in his new role and during this transformational time in our industry.” “I’m excited to work with Kurk Wilks as vice chairman of the MEMA Board,” MEMA President and CEO Bill Long said. “His industry expertise and experience in the global supply chain –original equipment and aftermarket in both the heavy-duty and light vehicle sectors – make him an ideal choice for this role. During its most recent meeting in April, the MEMA board welcomed three new directors: Jon Husby, president and CEO, SEG Automotive; Mat Joy, president and CEO, Hendrickson; and Chris Pruitt, executive vice president, sales, finance and administration, East Penn. “With the addition of Jon, Mat and Chris, the voice of our industry is amplified,” added Long. “They will be instrumental in guiding the future direction of the MEMA board and our great organization.” Other executives serving on the MEMA board of directors are: Chairman – Marc Blackman, president and COO, Gold Eagle Vice chairman – Mike Mansuetti, president, Robert Bosch LLC Treasurer – Tom Ward, senior vice president, and president, Repair Systems & Information Group, Snap-on Peter Butterfield, chairman and CEO, Omega Environmental Technologies Françoise Colpron, group president, Valeo North America Justin Greenberg, CEO, DieselCore Dominic Grote, president and CEO, Grote Industries Tim Musgrave, president and CEO, Pressure Systems International David Overbeeke, chairman, Maval Industries Eric Steinbecher, president, Automotive Aftermarket Americas, Schaeffler Group USA Bill Long, president and CEO, MEMA Since 1904, MEMA has been the voice of the automotive and commercial-vehicle supplier industry, the largest manufacturing sector in the United States. MEMA is the parent organization of four affiliate associations: the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA); Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA); MERA – The Association for Sustainable Manufacturing; and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). The post MANN+HUMMEL CEO Kurk Wilks Elected Vice Chairman Of MEMA Board appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) reported first-quarter sales of $5.3 billion, an 18.6% year-over-year increase. A 12.3% year-over-year increase in comparable sales and an 8.1% benefit from acquisitions contributed to the strong quarter. “We are pleased with the continued strength in our results to start the year, and we could not be prouder of the hard work by all our 52,000 teammates,” said Paul Donahue, chairman and CEO. “The first quarter was highlighted by new sales records for GPC and our Automotive and Industrial segments, margin expansion and our seventh consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings growth. The GPC team successfully navigated through ongoing supply chain challenges and inflationary pressures at levels we haven’t seen in 40 years.” Sales in the Automotive Parts Group, which includes NAPA Auto Parts, were $3.3 billion, up 10.9% from the first quarter of 2021. Automotive sales represented 62% of total company revenues. “”The continued strength in Automotive reflects solid growth across our operations, with 12% and 13% comparable-sales increases in the U.S. and Canada, respectively, and high-single digit comps in Europe and Australasia,” Donahue said. “Additionally, Industrial posted its fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit sales comps, driven by strengthening sales trends throughout the quarter.” GPC updated its full-year guidance with a more bullish outlook for the year. GPC now expects overall 2022 sales to grow between 10% and 12%, up from its previous full-year guidance of 9% to 11%. The company expects Automotive sales to grow between 5% and 7%, up from its previous outlook of 4% to %6. “The increase in our sales and earnings outlook reflects the confidence in our plans for accelerated growth and profitability as we build on the positive momentum in our Automotive and Industrial businesses,” Donahue said. “While cognizant of the many uncertainties in the global economy, we believe GPC is well-positioned with the financial strength and flexibility to support our growth plans and provide for disciplined, value-creating capital allocation while enhancing shareholder value.” The post GPC Reports 19% Jump In Q1 Sales, Boosts 2022 Guidance appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

O’Reilly Automotive has begun construction of its first distribution center in Mexico, company executives announced. The company’s first “O’Reilly-prototype” DC, located in Guadalajara, will boast a footprint of approximately 370,000 square feet, according to O’Reilly COO Brad Beckham. Beckham noted that O’Reilly is “targeting a completion date of the first half of 2023.” “This new facility will have the ability to provide company-store and jobber distribution to the Guadalajara metro area and support growth in the surrounding region,” Beckham explained during the company’s April 28 conference call. “Our distribution teams are well-seasoned in the design, planning and construction of new facilities, and we have been very pleased with our progress in working with our leadership team in Mexico to get this project rolling in true O’Reilly fashion.” Company leaders “continue to be excited about the growth opportunities we see in the Mexican automotive aftermarket,” Beckham added. In late 2019, O’Reilly acquired Guadalajara-based Mayasa Auto Parts, the company’s first foray into the Mexican aftermarket. At the time of the acquisition, Maya operated five distribution centers supporting 20 Orma Autopartes stores and more than 2,000 independent jobbers throughout Mexico. O’Reilly CEO Greg Johnson said the company’s strategy in Mexico mirrors its strategy in the United States, and company leaders are “happy with our progress in Mexico.” “We want to make sure we’ve got the supply chain infrastructure in place before we really ramp up our store growth at a more aggressive pace, because we want that customer experience to be what it’s going to be long-term,” Johnson explained. “And we want that service level from our DC for our professional customers to be at the very highest level from Day 1. So we’re growing the market incrementally.” As part of its strategy, O’Reilly will continue to operate under the Mayasa/Orma brand, at least for now, according to Johnson. “We’ll transition [to O’Reilly] over time,” Johnson added. Asked about the growth potential in the Mexican aftermarket, Johnson referenced “one of our major competitors” – AutoZone – which had 669 stores in Mexico as of Feb. 12. Johnson concluded: “We feel like there’s a pretty big opportunity to grow our store count somewhere in that range in Mexico as well.” The post O’Reilly Building Distribution Center In Mexico appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Photo caption: From left, Northwood University Board of Trustees Vice Chair Steve Madincea; President Kent MacDonald; 2022 Outstanding Business Leader Bill Long; and Elisse Richardson, a Northwood student who introduced Long. Bill Long, CEO of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), has received the 2022 Outstanding Business Leaders Award. Northwood University celebrated this year’s class of Outstanding Business Leaders and the Richard DeVos Young Entrepreneur Award winner during a weekend that included a gala at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. “The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is a perfect venue to celebrate these industry leaders, as this historical museum celebrates American ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation,” Northwood President Kent MacDonald said. “Like those innovative business leaders who have come before us, we honored this weekend contemporary business leaders who have also contributed to the free-enterprise system Northwood University holds so dear.” The 2022 class of honorees includes: • Bill Long, president and CEO, MEMA • Jim Fitterling, chairman and CEO, Dow • Michael LaFontaine Sr., president, LaFontaine Automotive Group • Ben Manthei, founder and board member, Redi-Rock International • Lisa McClain, U.S. Congresswoman representing Michigan’s 10th District • Andra Rush, CEO, Dakkota Systems • Angela Steele, Publicis Groupe In addition, Manik Thapar, owner of Eco Wise Waste Management in Uttar Pradesh, India, was honored with the Richard M. DeVos Young Entrepreneur Award. “What a great honor to be recognized by Northwood University with the Outstanding Business Leaders Award and be among such a distinguished class of honorees,” Long said. “It’s truly humbling share this recognition when considering the long list of distinguished honorees, many of whom I have known and admired throughout my career. And to the Northwood students, this is a time for new thinking, new ideas and new solutions to the issues of our day. We look to you to with hope and inspiration and to your leadership and what you will achieve.” Northwood University annually recognizes a select group of business professionals for their achievements, support and exemplary leadership of the communities in which they live and work. These individuals serve as role models for Northwood University students as they share their experiences and obstacles they have encountered, in addition to how they overcame them while on the road to success. In the four decades since the program began, more than 300 business leaders from more than 30 states and several countries, have been recognized. These honorees represent a vast, diverse, group of people from dozens of industries and fields of business expertise. The Outstanding Business Leader Awards are presented by the Northwood University Board of Trustees. Each awardee is selected based on personal achievements which typify the unique philosophy of Northwood University. Criteria used in the selection of awardees include a contribution to the philosophy of private enterprise, support of the integration of business and the arts, contribution to education, economic innovation, creative marketing ideas, community involvement, religious leadership, philanthropic contributions, as well as business success. All honorees past and present serve as role models for Northwood University students. Northwood University bestows the tremendous honor of the Outstanding Business Leader Award over a multi-day celebration ending with a formal gala event where the members receive an engraved crystal recognizing their honor. Proceeds from the event support the Outstanding Business Leaders Endowed Scholarship Fund at Northwood University. This year’s event raised $300,000. The post Northwood Honors MEMA CEO Bill Long appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

O’Reilly Automotive reported first-quarter sales of $3.3 billion, a 7% year-over-year increase. Comparable-store sales were up 4.8%, on top of the record 24.8% year-over-year increase in first-quarter 2021. “Historically, our first quarter can be volatile, as we see weather impacts from winter conditions early in the quarter and the timing of the onset of spring at the end,” CEO Greg Johnson said in a news release. “This year was no exception, and we saw choppiness in our business that coincided with inclement weather at the beginning of our quarter and the slow start to spring, along with other macroeconomic pressures. However, we continue to be pleased with the core, underlying strength of our business and our solid first-quarter comparable-store sales results, which, on top of last year’s performance, are clear indicators of our team’s ability to grow our business and take market share.” The emergence of the coronavirus Omicron variant put some pressure on O’Reilly’s DIFM sales early in the quarter, but “outside of this short period, our professional business in the quarter was consistent and in line with our expectations, with comp strongly positive in each month of the quarter,” Johnson explained during the company’s first-quarter conference call. “We’re encouraged by the resiliency and consistency of our professional-customer demand, and still anticipate this side of the business to be the larger driver of our growth in 2022 as we grow share and consolidate the market,” Johnson added. In February, O’Reilly rolled out targeted, companywide price cuts for DIFM customers, which contributed to an expected year-over-year decline in the company’s gross profit margin. Johnson pointed out that the competitive response to O’Reilly’s pricing initiative “has been muted, as expected, and pricing remains rational.” The DIY side of the business was much more volatile, according to Johnson. “Early in the quarter, in addition to the headwind from inclement weather and Omicron, we also faced headwinds to DIY traffic from macroeconomic pressures stemming from the spike in gas prices and global instability,” Johnson explained. Over the last eight weeks of the quarter, which ended on March 31, DIY volumes stabilized, “though still hampered by less-than-ideal spring weather as our business benefits when we see an early start to spring.” “Our DIY customers often perform their routine jobs outside in their driveways and will take advantage when warmer weather hits to catch up on the repair, maintenance and tuneup items that have been temporarily on hold at the end of winter,” Johnson added. “This year, we have seen cold, wet weather persist through much of spring in many of our markets. However, the corresponding impact to demand matches up to what we have historically seen in similar environments, and we have been encouraged that DIY results have stabilized from volatility earlier in the quarter.” Along with reporting its first-quarter financial results, O’Reilly announced that Tom McFall will step down as chief financial officer effective May 9, although he will stay with the company in the role of executive vice president. At that time, Jeremy Fletcher, O’Reilly’s senior vice president of finance and controller, will be promoted to CFO. “After 16 years of dedicated service, Tom has communicated his desire to transition into a different role with the Company,” Johnson said. “Tom has provided exceptional leadership to our company since joining Team O’Reilly in 2006, and we are pleased he will continue to provide valuable guidance and mentorship as he shifts to this new role. Tom will retain his existing responsibilities in the areas of information technology, real estate, legal and risk management, and will continue to provide key strategic and executive leadership. Succession planning has always been an important component of our culture, and Tom has done an extraordinary job preparing Jeremy for his new role.” Fletcher, 45, has been an O’Reilly team member for 16 years. Upon joining the company in 2005, Mr. Fletcher served as financial reporting and budgeting manager and progressed through the roles of director of finance, vice president of finance and controller and has served in his current role as senior vice president of finance and controller for more than five years. The post O’Reilly Reports 7% Increase In Q1 Sales appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts and the Los Angeles Dodgers have announced an exclusive partnership, with Advance becoming the team’s official auto parts retailer. Through the agreement, Advance will have a presence on in-stadium signage for all 2022 regular-season home games. The Dodgers’ marks will be represented in Advance stores throughout the Los Angeles market. Advance and the Dodgers also will collaborate on community activations, including the Dodgers’ Mexican Heritage games. Advance will serve as presenting sponsor for the day-night doubleheader on May 17. As part of the activation, fans attending either game will receive an exclusive Mexican Heritage Dodgers jersey with Advance branding. “Our goal is to align with winning organizations that share our commitment to serving communities,” said Jason McDonell, Advance’s executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and e-commerce. “The Dodgers have a longstanding tradition of excellence on the field and in the L.A. community and their fans are passionate about caring for their vehicles, making this partnership a home run. We look forward to serving L.A. area fans with quality parts and winning service while cheering the Dodgers as they look to advance towards another world championship.” “We’re excited to welcome Advance Auto Parts as our official auto parts retailer to our partnership family,” said Corey Norkin, senior vice president of global partnerships, Los Angeles Dodgers. “We look forward to helping them further their growth in Los Angeles and having them be a part of the very popular Mexican Heritage Night.” The partnership comes as Advance continues its growth in California and the Los Angeles market. The exclusive agreement includes rights for Carquest Auto Parts, an automotive parts retailer owned by Advance, to also serve as the team’s official auto parts retailer. Additionally, DieHard batteries, which are owned and sold by Advance and Carquest, will carry the designation as the Dodgers’ official car battery. The post Advance To Be Official Auto Parts Retailer Of LA Dodgers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Electric vehicles. E-commerce. Vehicle complexity. Consolidation. Autonomous Driving. Connectivity. How will these and other trends affect the automotive aftermarket over the next decade, and more importantly, how should aftermarket suppliers respond? A new study – “The U.S. Automotive Aftermarket in 2035” – attempts to answer these questions, with aftermarket suppliers “facing more inflection points than we ever have before,” in the words of Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) President and CEO Paul McCarthy. “And the reality is we can’t handle them all,” McCarthy said at the 2022 AASA Vision Conference in Dearborn, Michigan. “So we need to understand which ones are really going to disrupt us and which ones may matter less. Because if there’s one thing we know, the aftermarket in 2035 is not going to look like the aftermarket today.” Conducted by the management consulting firm Roland Berger, the study looks at the current and future states of the automotive aftermarket. One of the most alarming conclusions from the study is that aftermarket suppliers aren’t ready to deal with nine high-impact trends: BEV (battery-electric-vehicle) penetration; e-commerce and o2o (online-to-offline); consolidation; labor shortages; supply chain disruption; data access; autonomous driving; supply chain footprint; and sustainability. Barry Neal, senior partner at Roland Berger, and Neury Freitas, principal at Roland Berger, presented an overview of the study findings at the AASA Vision Conference. Here are some of the highlights. Battery Electric Vehicles How much and how soon will BEVs affect the independent aftermarket? That all depends on which part of the market you serve. By 2035, the study projects that only 2% of 12-year-old vehicles and older will be electric, while 11% of 8- to 11-year-old vehicles will be electric. However, the impact of BEVs will be more pronounced in newer vehicles, with 32% of 0- to 3-year-old vehicles expected to be electric. “The more you are dependent on the OES or OEM channel, the more or sooner EVs will actually impact your business,” Freitas explained. At 100,000 miles, BEVs require 50% fewer service visits than internal-combustion vehicles, based on OEM service recommendations. By 200,000 miles, that gaps shrinks slightly to 47%. “There clearly are services that will disappear in an EV,” Freitas said. “Anything that’s related to the engine, anything that’s related to combustion will go away.” BEVs will need battery coolant, but due to regenerative braking, brake systems typically last longer on electric vehicles. “The tire players are really happy,” Freitas added. “They are waiting for EVs, because either you have a heavier vehicle that needs a stronger structure of the tire, therefore they’re more expensive, or if you use a normal tire, that’s going to wear faster. So, that’s a positive.” Online-to-Offline Business Model The pandemic has accelerated the growth of o2o in the automotive aftermarket, as more consumers embraced buying parts and booking appointments via their mobile devices. The linkage between the offline and online worlds “brings a lot of benefits and a lot of convenience for consumers,” Freitas asserted. The increased convenience for consumers, and the cost savings along the value chain, will continue to drive the growth of o2o in two phases: parts efficiency, as proactive diagnostics and digital parts/service selection and scheduling enable a lower cost structure; and labor efficiency, as advanced booking/scheduling and predictive maintenance improve labor utilization and throughput. “If you get the higher convenience for consumers, together with the potential cost savings, at a first step, if you know which parts will be needed and where they’ll be needed before they are actually needed, you can cut a few steps [from] the value chain and in the supply chain, and you can actually save some real money, as you don’t need hot-shot [delivery], for example,” Freitas explained. “And then in a second step, once we get to a large enough critical mass, and the shops are able to schedule similar services back to back, we might get some efficiencies from the technicians as well.” Consolidation According to Roland Berger, the United States is leading the way in terms of consolidation, with the top 10 distributors in the U.S. independent automotive aftermarket (IAM) commanding 75% to 80% of the total market share. Europe is a distant second, at 30% to 35%, while China is at 5% to 10%. Roland Berger sees more consolidation ahead for parts suppliers and service providers (mechanical and collision). Going forward, there won’t be as many opportunities for large retailers to acquire distributors, Freitas asserted. “Therefore, if one of those big companies has a hiccup over the next 12, 13 years, we see as a chance of two of those top four or five players actually merging and becoming an even larger player,” Freitas added. Labor Availability Looking at the big picture, U.S. unemployment rates were at historic lows in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic escalated in early 2020, it skyrocketed. Since then, the unemployment rate has been declining steadily. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in March dropped to 3.6%. Neal and Freitas showed two charts that don’t bode well for the future of the IAM. One chart showed a steady decline in the number of students completing postsecondary degrees for automotive repair since 2010. The other chart showed the imbalance between the supply and demand of technicians since 2010. While the technician shortage is nothing new, the gap between supply and demand is projected to widen in 2025 and beyond. Freitas concluded: “If the industry does not really get organized, we don’t think this problem is going to get solved anytime soon.” Supply Chain The headline here is that China appears to be losing its cost advantage – even without tariffs. For the past decade or so, if you wanted to manufacture products on the cheap, China was the obvious destination. However, when you factor in the rising costs of outbound freight, raw materials, manual labor and other variables, China will lose its cost advantage to Mexico as soon as this year. By 2035, due to the projected increase in China’s labor costs, it will be significantly cheaper to manufacture goods in Mexico compared to China, according to Roland Berger. Not surprisingly, Roland Berger projects that the percentage of U.S. auto parts manufactured in Mexico will grow from 24% in 2020 to 31% in 2035. Data Access By 2035, nearly 100% of new vehicles sold in the United States will be connected, meaning they’ll have the capability to receive and transmit information. Extrapolated to the total U.S. vehicle parc, 66% of vehicles will be connected. How we get to that point – and how it will affect the IAM – is less certain. Currently, the automakers control most of the data generated by vehicles, which is bad for consumers, bad for IAM suppliers and good for the OEMs. In the medium term, Roland Berger anticipates a shift to open APIs (application programming interfaces) and “mixed control” of vehicle data. In the long term, a move toward open APIs and open data would be best for IAM suppliers. However, where we land will likely be determined by federal lawmakers and the OEMs. Action Steps In light of the study’s findings, Neal and Freitas outlined a number of potential steps that IAM suppliers could take. “In terms of individual responsibilities, there’s the importance of reviewing the portfolio and product strategy,” Neal said. “As you look at the influx of new technologies, both in terms of electronics, battery-electric vehicles, ADAS and autonomous, how are you adjusting your portfolio to adapt to those and what is the strategy you have, whether that be a last-man-standing strategy or looking for a third leg in terms of other opportunities, or the development of an EV strategy to attack some of the new opportunities that are coming out?” Regarding the technician shortage, Neal also emphasized the importance of supporting trade schools “as well as supporting of advocacy at the high school and the middle school level for robotics programs and mechanical programs to ensure the interest of that technician force of the future, as well as an industry-level support for new entrants and opportunities, supporting aspects such as augmented reality and remote support for technicians in the field to allow some of those newer solutions to support a broader labor force in the future in terms of the capability set in technology.” The post AASA Vision: What Will The Aftermarket Look Like In 2035? appeared first on Counterman Magazine. 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A recent collaboration between NGK and AutoZone was awarded the 2022 Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Channel Excellence Award presented by Epicor. The teams shared market research and applied point-of-sale (POS) data and other information to develop an oxygen-sensor program that grows market share, reduces inventory requirements and lays the foundation for future shifts in market demand. Brian Norko, SVP, commercial business operations, NGK and Rob Bell, director, merchandising & customer satisfaction, AutoZone, accepted the award on behalf of their respective companies at the 2022 AASA Vision Conference in Dearborn, Michigan. The annual AASA Channel Excellence Award presented by Epicor recognizes innovation and collaboration between suppliers and channel partners that drive aftermarket growth. “This award is particularly special to NGK as it reflects our core business philosophy of creating mutual success,” Norko said. “Our company was founded on this principle and working together with our customers, delivering quality products and growing our businesses together – this continues to drive us. We are very proud to have been part of growing AutoZone’s O2-sensor business.” Bell added: “We are extremely excited to achieve this Channel Excellence Award with NGK and sincerely thank AASA and Epicor for this tremendous honor. This great recognition would not have been possible without the collective effort of NGK and our amazing AutoZoners across the entire organization. Our phenomenal results show the power of data and the importance of customer feedback when leveraged in a collaborative environment.” NGK and AutoZone identified a sustained increase in demand DIFM customers for OE oxygen-sensor technologies. The companies then utilized POS and other data to build OEM-based O2-sensor families by vehicle application to address this trend. The new approach resulted in a 100% sales increase of NGK’s NTK-brand 02 sensors through AutoZone while eliminating more than 290,000 stocking placements across the AutoZone network. In addition, AutoZone achieved a more than 700-bps shift in DIFM market share in the wideband O2-sensor category. The winning project is featured in a video on the AASA website. The NGK/AutoZone project was one of three joint initiatives by automotive aftermarket companies selected as award finalists. The other finalists were Bosch/NAPA and Dorman with multiple channel partners. Short videos submitted by each of the AASA Channel Excellence award finalist teams were played at the 2022 AASA Vision Conference and are also posted on the AASA website. “This award recognizes the achievements in collaboration and innovation between suppliers and their channel partners to drive growth together,” said Paul McCarthy, AASA president and CEO. “We give this award to encourage an openness to the behaviors we all know we need to see – innovation and collaboration across the value chain. We congratulate NGK and AutoZone for embodying these behaviors and finding a way, together, to greater success in a challenging climate.” “These projects demonstrate the value of collaboration in solving the challenges of a highly complex value chain,” said Tim Hardin, senior vice president and general manager, Automotive, Epicor. “Ultimately, each success builds toward a future where data-driven collaboration isn’t just project based, but a daily part of doing business and optimizing our industry’s contributions to the global economy.” The post NGK, AutoZone Receive AASA Channel Excellence Award appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Charles Dickens classic “A Tale of Two Cities” produced one of the most famous opening lines in all of literature: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times … ” More than 150 years after “A Tale of Two Cities” was published, the phrase is an apt description of what life has been like for aftermarket suppliers, distributors and retailers during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), kicked off the 2022 AASA Vision Conference in Dearborn, Michigan, he observed that the line “rings true in this age of uncertainty.” “It has been some of the hardest times to simply do our jobs – to just get our products to the customer – yet it has also been some of the greatest prosperity that the aftermarket has ever experienced,” McCarthy said. Stimulus-driven DIY sales have led to the best of times for the aftermarket’s publicly traded parts retailers, and they reported record growth in 2020 and 2021. At the same time, supply chain disruptions have made it challenging for some suppliers and distributors to get their hands on parts and raw materials. “Typically, part of our industry’s appeal is our slow, steady, reliable growth – our consistent cash-flow generation,” McCarthy said. “During the pandemic, we seem to have found another level of demand for our products. And we’ve also been in a battle for availability. The reality over the last two years is that if you could get the part to the customer, they would likely buy it.” While the past two years have been prosperous for many aftermarket participants, it’s also been the worst of times in the sense that the economy has been hit with “a flock of black swans.” Even before this once-in-a-century pandemic hit, the aftermarket was grappling with tariffs on imported Chinese goods as well as the biggest changes to U.S. trade policies in decades. “We haven’t had a supply chain disruption of this magnitude for 75 years,” McCarthy said. “It’s been over 40 years since we’ve seen inflation like this. It’s been decades since we’ve seen a job market this tight. If that wasn’t enough, members tell us that we’ve experienced some of the highest levels of government intervention in the aftermarket, maybe in our history.” On top of that, there’s a land war in Europe, and U.S.-Sino relations are as tense as they’ve been in decades. Potential curveballs on the horizon include more interest-rate hikes, gas-price increases and the specter of Russian cyberattacks. Still, although it’s “an environment where it may not be easy for us,” it’s one “where we can do very well.” “Our ability – despite all these obstacles – to fill orders, to keep our businesses running, to sustain our teams, to work together up and down the value chain, it’s frankly amazing how well the aftermarket has performed,” McCarthy added. “It proves our resilience and our endurance. So don’t expect things to get any easier, but the aftermarket and aftermarket suppliers, we’ve shown that we matter.” A New Golden Age? Despite all the “bumps in the road,” McCarthy posed this question to AASA Vision attendees: “Is there a chance that these strong sales that we’ve seen are not a blip, that instead they are the start of a new golden age?” “The transformative cultural shifts that we’re seeing as a result of the pandemic, we think they bode well for the future of the aftermarket – that we are leaving the pandemic with a more auto-centric lifestyle than when we went into it,” McCarthy asserted. To buttress his point, he noted that used-car prices are higher than they’ve been since World War II; there are more than 280 million vehicles in operation in the United States; and the miles-driven recovery “has exceeded all forecasts.” With commuters and travelers still fearful of mass transportation, “Americans are moving toward more car-centric locales and lifestyles,” he added. “We see it in consumers’ desire for more space. We see it in the house prices, in people moving to the West, to the South, to smaller cities, to exurbs. Coming out of COVID, where most Americans now seem to want to live, they need a car or a third or a fourth car. They need us, the aftermarket.” While technology might be a source of angst for some, “this unstoppable march of increasing vehicle content has been incredibly powerful for the aftermarket ticket,” McCarthy declared. “And we think that will continue.” And the increasing in-vehicle connectivity “is making our time in the car more entertaining, more productive, more appealing.” “We would argue that this is a global opportunity that the pandemic underscored to consumers around the world: the safety, the appeal of individual transport and the freedom that it brings. So we think we could look back in 2040, 2050, and say that this was the start of a new golden age of transportation. And we could say that we grabbed this opportunity and we created new ways forward.” The post AASA Vision: Best Of Times, Worst Of Times In The Aftermarket appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Autolite announced the completion of its “Home Garage Makeover Sweepstakes” renovation for Sharon Ashmore of Stanley, North Carolina. Selected from hundreds of entrants in a random drawing, Ashmore won a garage renovation project worth more than $10,000. Over the course of three weeks, Garage Experts of Charlotte installed new flooring, cabinets and three-slat walls in Ashmore’s home garage. This project also included the delivery of a new air compressor, Autolite stools and a lighted vintage Autolite sign. “Not only will my garage have more storage and free space to work, it’s now one of my favorite places to hang out in my home,” said Ashmore. “Garage Experts did a wonderful job – the brand-new flooring, sleek cabinets and Autolite accessories make for a polished, comfortable environment.” The Autolite Home Garage Makeover Sweepstakes entry period ran from June through mid-August of 2021. The purpose of the sweepstakes was to celebrate how special home garages are for automotive DIYers and tinkerers of all kinds. “We are so excited to see the finished project, courtesy of Garage Experts of Charlotte,” said Carl Weber, senior marketing director, First Brands Group. “Because of our passion for automotive maintenance and culture, it is an honor to make someone’s home garage a more useful, beautiful environment.” To see photos from the Autolite Home Garage Makeover Sweepstakes renovation, go to the Autolite Facebook and Instagram pages. To learn more about Autolite spark plugs, visit autolite.com. The post Autolite Reveals Completed Home Garage Makeover appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Judge Douglas Woodlock of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a notice on April 15 of another delay to provide a decision on the Right to Repair court case in Massachusetts. Citing “the resurgence of a demanding criminal trial schedule, resumption of long delayed in-court non-trial proceedings coupled with insistent writing responsibilities in other matters,” Woodlock extended the date to resolve the matter and invited the defendant (the commonwealth of Massachusetts) to “make a further modified stipulation to adjust the relevant date necessary for an appropriate period of consideration in support of a fully satisfactory opinion until no later than July 2, 2022, to bring this case to an appealable final judgement.” The judge previously stated that he would issue a final judgment no later than April 15, 2022. Approved by Massachusetts voters on Nov. 3, 2020, by an overwhelming 75% to 25% margin, the new Right to Repair law would require manufacturers to provide vehicle owners both access and control of the diagnostic and repair data generated by their vehicles. Subsequent to the vote, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation filed a lawsuit (Alliance for Automotive Innovation vs. Maura Healey, Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts) in November 2020 asking the court to overturn the data-access ballot question based on a host of allegations including cybersecurity concerns, insufficient time to comply with the new data-access requirements and their contention that the ballot initiative is preempted by federal law. The Auto Care Association says it continues to fight for consumers’ right to choose where they get their vehicle maintained and repaired through both state and federal legislation. The post Massachusetts Right to Repair Ruling Delayed Again appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Continental announced it was awarded the highest grade for the fourth time in a row as a global leader in reducing emissions in the supply chain (“Supplier Engagement Rating”) by international non-profit Carbon Disclosure Project (CPD). This makes Continental one of the 8% of companies evaluated who were awarded the highest grade for supplier commitment to climate change. Continental says it was recognized for its holistic approach of working closely with its suppliers in Automotive, Tires, and ContiTech group sectors to achieve comprehensive improvements by involving as many stages of the supply chain as possible. “We look at the entire value chain of our products, from material sourcing to recycling. This is the only way we can achieve truly sustainable supply chains that conserve resources and support important climate protection goals at the same time,” says Claus Petschick, head of Sustainability at Continental Tires. “Continental’s goal is to achieve fully sustainable supply chains by 2050 at the latest. Innovative technologies and digitalization are the primary tools we use to make environmental risks transparent and to reduce these risks within our complex supply chain.” Sustainable and Renewable Raw Materials in Tire Production The use of sustainable raw materials for tire construction has long been a high priority at Continental, the company says. For example, Continental and its partners are intensively researching the industrialization of the Russian dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz) for the extraction of natural rubber, a project known as Taraxagum. In the future, the aim is to be able to grow part of the natural rubber required for production close to the company’s own plants in order to reduce CO2 emissions caused by long transport routes and to conserve valuable resources. The use of sustainable raw materials also includes the use of recycled polyester from recycled plastic bottles, which Continental is currently introducing into the series production of its tires, as well as the use of silicate from the ash of rice husks, an agricultural waste product, Continental explains. Plant-based oils and resins also reduce the proportion of crude oil-based materials already today. Continental’s goal is to successively use 100 percent sustainably produced materials in its tire products by 2050 at the latest. Continental says it is also ensuring sustainability of its natural rubber sourcing. Since 2018, Continental has collaborated with German development organization GIZ to promote a digital system for the traceability of natural rubber. Small farmers involved in the project in Borneo, Indonesia, are able to increase quantities, quality, and yields through learning sustainable cultivation, thereby improving their incomes. A cultivation strategy based on sustainability also prevents logging and deforestation, conserving valuable resources. The pilot project in 2018 began with 450 farmers, and is now expected to grow to 4,000 by 2024, Continental says. The post Continental Recognized For Commitment To Sustainability appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Carterhas introduced six new parts to its popular line of Rapid Fit engine water pumps and three additional standard water-pump part numbers, each covering a variety of vehicle applications. Part numbers W1982RF, W2092RF, W9099RF, W9144RF, W9350RF and W9038RF comprise the new SKUs for the Rapid Fit water pumps, while the standard engine water pumps include part numbers W2700M, W2826M and W2828M. Carter offers a full catalog of industry-leading Rapid Fit, mechanical and electrical water pumps and fuel pumps featuring the brand’s engineered quality, according to the company. The new water-pump SKUs are engineered to reliably meet the demands of both gasoline and diesel engines across many vehicle models. “We engineer, manufacture and test our parts in-house. Those capabilities allow us to consistently meet and exceed consumers’ needs,” said Ryan Gernheuser, repair group director, product management/aftermarket engineering at First Brands Group. “This process enabled us to innovate quickly and with quality to introduce new water pumps in Carter’s Rapid Fit line that cover several Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ford, Lincoln and Nissan models. We’ve also introduced an array of new standard water pumps for applications among modern Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Audi and Volkswagen vehicles. Carter’s full line of water pumps cover 95% of domestic and import VIO and offers limited lifetime and 12-month warranties for select products to provide added peace of mind. For more information, visit carterengineered.com. The post Carter Expands Line Of Water Pumps appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

When it comes to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), there’s good news and bad news for the automotive aftermarket. First, the good news. The total addressable market for ADAS replacement parts and service is projected to skyrocket from $317 million in 2021 to $1.1 billion in 2030 – expanding at nearly 17% compound annual growth rate. Those projections come from Innovatrium, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based consulting firm that conducted a study on ADAS opportunities in the aftermarket. The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) commissioned the study, which included interviews with 350 repair shops, an in-person focus group and a review of 91 journals, articles and academic papers on the subject. Speaking at the AASA Vision Conference, Jim Fish, lead partner at Innovatrium, asserted that ADAS is “singularly the highest growth opportunity in the aftermarket.” In 2021, more than 1 million vehicles required ADAS service in an aftermarket shop, according to the Innovatrium study. And now for the not-so-good news: More than 90% of ADAS work that comes into mechanical shops is outsourced to a dealership. On the collision repair side, the researchers found that more than 75% of ADAS services coming into an auto body shop are performed elsewhere. In 2021 alone, auto body shops outsourced $177 million worth of ADAS calibration work. While mobile technicians might pick up some of that work, the majority likely goes back to a dealership. The researchers concluded that ADAS features such as automated emergency braking, blind-spot detection, lane-departure warnings and rear cameras will lower crash rates by 20% in 2030. What’s noteworthy about that data point is that 45% of ADAS features are deactivated by the consumer. Factoring in the independent aftermarket’s limited capabilities for ADAS service – and the likelihood that some consumers will forego ADAS repairs if their vehicles are drivable – the total “likely” ADAS opportunity for the aftermarket is $236 million by 2030. “This is a radical reduction from the total available market to the total likely market,” said Matt Ballard, head of research at Innovatrium. “ … We’re starting off with this low capability in the aftermarket, and it’s growing slowly. And presently, there doesn’t appear to be anything that would change that.” Still, the researchers concluded that ADAS is a problem worth solving. They identified three major problems that are inhibiting growth of ADAS business in the independent aftermarket. Problems Worth Solving 1. Cost of ADAS Repairs The cost of ADAS replacement parts and equipment are out of reach for most shops, the study found. In many cases, only OEM parts are available, and the lack of standardized calibration processes add to the complexity of performing ADAS work. “Our call to action is we need aftermarket alternatives,” Fish said. “We need parts that can do this. … And then standardized processes are going to increase aftermarket adoption.” 2. Low Shop Competency ADAS is a new and intimidating technology that requires a high-end diagnostic skillset to properly service it. Some shops say there isn’t enough volume of ADAS work to develop in-house capabilities. The researchers asserted that more training for technicians is needed to bring shops’ ADAS competency up to speed. 3. Consumer Usage of ADAS More and more mass-production vehicles now come standard with potentially life-saving ADAS features. However, the real-world application of this technology is troubling, with 45% of ADAS features being deactivated for various reasons. According to the study, 41% of consumers are shutting off ADAS features because they don’t believe they actually work, while another 41% find these features distracting and 30% believe they’re not needed. The researchers recommend a combination of consumer education/information; regulations to ensure that ADAS features are being used as they were designed to be used; and verification. Fish argued that ADAS is on a trajectory that’s similar to the aftermarket’s gradual adoption of the SAE J2534 standard for reprogramming vehicle ECUs. Fifteen years ago, most ECU reprogramming was being sent to a dealership. Today, 80% of mechanical shops with six or more bays are performing their own J2534 reprogramming. “We have a long way to go, but we’re not going to get there unless we do something about it,” Fish said. “And no one company is going to solve this. It’s just not going to move the needle. We really need all of us together.” The post AASA Vision: Aftermarket Missing Out On ADAS Opportunity appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Auto Care Association, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), CAR (Consumer Access to Repair) Coalition and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) applaud U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) for co-sponsoring the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act. Introduced in February 2022 by U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) to provide consumers rights to their vehicle’s repair and maintenance data and safeguard a free and fair repair market, the REPAIR Act (H.R. 6570) is the only federal Right to Repair legislation that addresses this critical need in the automotive industry. Davidson is an automotive industry alumnus who ran his family business: a small-batch machining and fabricating business that was transformed into a high-volume contract fabrication and injection molding manufacturer during his tenure. “By prohibiting vehicle owners from accessing and sharing data they generate, manufacturers stop consumers from accessing third-party repair shops,” said Davidson. “American vehicle owners have a right to control their data, and a right to access third-party repair shops, tools and parts. This bill would end manufacturers’ anti-competitive practices and restore consumer property rights.” “Thanks to Congressman Davidson, the bill is now a bipartisan effort,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “We thank the representative for recognizing that consumers deserve the right to choose where they get their vehicle repaired. In a time where Americans rely on their vehicles more than ever and are keeping their vehicles longer due to economic uncertainty, we hope that other legislators follow suit.” “AASA applauds Rep. Davidson for joining Rep. Rush on this critical legislative push,” said Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of AASA. “The consumer’s ability to continue to have choice in where to repair, service and maintain their vehicles is at stake. The bipartisan support from this bill, as we saw with the bipartisan-supported ‘Nixing the Fix’ report from the FTC, speaks to the fact that this automotive right to repair effort is not partisan, it is to support consumers, competition and free markets. Without action, consumers will face rising costs and fewer options. We look forward to working with both representatives on this important effort.” “The CAR Coalition applauds Rep. Davidson for co-sponsoring the REPAIR Act,” CAR Coalition Executive Director Justin Rzepka said. “This bipartisan legislation is critical to protecting the rights of consumers in the post-collision auto repair market. It is also crucial to ensuring the security and accessibility of vehicle data. As the cost of cars and repairs rise, consumers need more choices, not fewer, when it comes to repairing their own vehicles. The CAR Coalition looks forward to working with Rep. Davidson and Rep. Rush to advance the REPAIR Act on behalf of consumers across the country.” “SEMA and the specialty automotive aftermarket appreciate Representative Davidson standing up for free and fair competition for consumers looking to service, repair, or modify their vehicle,” said Daniel Ingber, vice president, government and legal affairs, SEMA. “The bi-partisan REPAIR Act must be passed to protect access to vehicle systems, tools and information necessary for independent repair and modification services for millions of consumers.” Automotive aftermarket companies can urge legislators in their district to also co-sponsor the bill by visiting autocareadvocacy.org/take-action-tell-congress-support-right-to-repair, aftermarketsuppliers.org/repairact, carcoalition.com or semasan.com. The post Ohio Republican Co-Sponsoring REPAIR Act appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article