Counterman

MidOcean Partners has acquired Cloyes Gears and Products from Hidden Harbor Capital Partners. MidOcean is a New York City-based “middle-market private-equity firm focused on the business services and consumer sectors,” according to the firm’s website. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Hidden Harbor, which describes itself as “an operationally oriented investment firm focused on the industrials and business services sectors,” acquired Cloyes in 2018 as a carve-out from American Axle & Manufacturing. In partnership with the Cloyes team, Hidden Harbor said it “made substantial investments to build a highly scalable, standalone organization and develop a best-in-class platform within the automotive aftermarket industry.” “Over Hidden Harbor’s ownership period, Cloyes grew VIO coverage, captured considerable sourcing savings and drove significant organic growth through new-product introductions and new-customer wins,” Hidden Harbor said in a news release. Cloyes is a Fort Smith, Arkansas-based designer, developer, manufacturer and distributor of timing-drive systems and engine components for original-equipment manufacturers and the automotive aftermarket, selling its products under the Cloyes brand throughout North America and Dynagearin Mexico. MidOcean Partners said it plans to continue the company’s aggressive growth plan through comprehensive organic initiatives and strategic M&A. This transaction represents MidOcean’s third recent investment in the automotive aftermarket, after completing investments in FullSpeed Automotive in November 2020 and Holley Inc. through its merger in July 2021 with Empower Ltd., a publicly traded special-purpose acquisition company formed by MidOcean Partners. Cloyes was founded in 1921 and has built a reputation among engine builders and technicians of quality and best-in-class VIO coverage, providing its more than 300 customers with access to more than 2,700 SKUs. The company’s products are mission-critical components for engine performance and function used in high-performance and replacement applications. Cloyes serves a broad customer base, including wholesale distributors, national and local retailers, re-packagers and production-engine builders. “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with CEO John Hanighen and the Cloyes team, who are proven leaders in the automotive aftermarket space,” said Steven Loeffler, principal at MidOcean. “The team at Cloyes has done an amazing job building its VIO coverage, continuing to develop new products and winning new customers. We believe there are numerous opportunities through both organic initiatives and accretive strategic acquisitions to continue this growth.” Marc Graham, MidOcean’s operating partner, added: “The Cloyes brand has been synonymous with excellence in timing systems for over 100 years, and we are thrilled to continue that leadership going forward. Cloyes has a best-in-class product suite, complemented by world-class product development capabilities. On a personal note, I have known John for over 35 years and am excited to work with John and his tremendous team.” Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP acted as legal advisor to MidOcean. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc. served as lead financial advisor with Donnelly Penman & Partners as co-advisor and McDermott Will & Emery LLP as legal advisor to Cloyes. “We are excited to partner with MidOcean to accelerate growth and innovation for the Cloyes platform,” said John Hanighen, CEO of Cloyes. “MidOcean has an impressive track record in executing transformational growth, and they bring deep expertise in the auto aftermarket that will enhance our ability to better serve our customers, our employees, our vendors, and our partners, while also providing support for the company to expand into additional markets and product lines.” The post Cloyes Gears And Products Sold To MidOcean Partners appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In our 2022 Distribution Preview in the January issue of AMN/Counterman, aftermarket leaders talk about some of the key issues affecting the industry, and discuss their plans, goals and expectations for the year ahead. This year, we added several fun “Lightning Round” questions that you won’t want to miss. Here’s our Q&A with Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). AMN/CM: What are your thoughts about the business environment for the automotive aftermarket in 2022? PM: Positive. From the demand side, our most recent supplier barometer showed suppliers and our industry to be very positive about the next six months. Demand is of course at record levels, and orders were also strong, showing positivity on this market performance continuing. The current market is a battle for availability, something to be classified in the category of “good problems.” For the second half of the year, there is cautious optimism, but a few questions. Will inflation take a toll on the ability of consumers to spend? Can the economy and demand continue at this level? There is clearly positivity, but there remains a bit of continuation of what has been the watchword for the last two years: uncertainty. That said, even when things slow from the current incredibly strong growth, we can’t lose sight of the silver lining: We seem to be leaving the pandemic with a more auto-centric lifestyle than we went into it – and that bodes well for the future of the aftermarket. We’ve seen this shift in consumers’ desire for more space; in booming used-car prices; in Americans rediscovering their love of the automobile in the pandemic DIY boom; and in house prices and settlement patterns in exurbs, smaller cities and the Western states. Coming out of COVID, where most Americans want to live now requires that car, or even a third or fourth car. It requires the aftermarket. Longer-term, we’re optimistic about our industry. The other “business environment” issue that needs to be mentioned is the supply chain challenge. This is the biggest supply chain disruption we have faced since World War II. Unlike previous supply chain crises, it is not like if we solve for problem “X,” we have fixed the problem. Every part of the supply chain has faced difficulties. This is systemic disruption. There are the port and trucking issues that have captured headlines, as well as shortages, price spikes or allocations in almost everything that goes into our products, from semiconductors to steel to resins to subcomponents to packaging. If that weren’t enough, we are also facing inflation and historic order levels and what may be the biggest challenge, worker shortages. We have almost a million open manufacturing positions in just the U.S., with the same difficulties staffing our distribution facilities, transportation and offices. Frankly, it has been amazing how well all of us have fulfilled customer demand given these challenges. Despite little to no improvement in inbound goods and manufacturing inputs, our most recent AASA Supplier Barometer showed that fill rates have significantly improved since early in the year. This is thanks, in part, to supplier ingenuity and problem-solving. It is also due to improvements in communication up and down the value chain. Collaboration is showing real results. Though the end is not in sight, improvement is happening. AMN/CM: As advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and other emerging technologies become more prevalent on new vehicles, it will require the brightest minds to service and repair them. How can we better position this challenge as an opportunity for the parts and service segments of the aftermarket? PM: Glad you mention ADAS. There has been so much focus on electrification that we’ve not paid enough attention to ADAS, the revolution that is just around the corner. As soon as 2024, two-thirds of new vehicles will have some level 1-3 driving automation technology. By 2030, ADAS will be on almost half of the vehicle fleet, a vastly greater penetration than electrification. ADAS brings a lot of expensive parts. Each of these technologies can break or need calibration or maintenance. This huge increase in vehicle technology bodes well for future aftermarket “tickets.” At this point, this work largely goes to the dealer. And, as volume grows, the aftermarket needs to do what we’ve done with vehicle reprogramming – provide easy solutions, including calibration, trusted parts and training – to simply make this part of the repair offering, easily. We will have a session at the AASA Vision Conference the first week of April where we will share our latest research and thought leadership on the growth rates and aftermarket opportunities for ADAS in the second half of this decade. ADAS’s growth also highlights the need for Right to Repair, including access to vehicle data, diagnostics and product-integration information and software APIs to ensure a continued competitive market and consumer choice on where – and with what parts – vehicles can be repaired. AMN/CM: What phrase describes your “words to live by?” PM: Cheating – two from Stephen Covey: “Begin with the end in mind” and “Think win-win.” AMN/CM: What is your best icebreaker at a networking reception? PM: How’s the family? (Always nice to hear the answers about people who people love.) AMN/CM: What is your dream car, or favorite vehicle you’ve owned? PM: Right now, the additional cars I wish I had parked in my driveway migrate between an Icon Derelict based on a ‘53 Studebaker Starliner Coupe, another Miata (convertible, cheap, easy to work on and fun to drive, so always a good bonus car), or maybe a Bronco … all fun to think about … The post AASA’s McCarthy: ‘Current Market Is A Battle For Availability’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

WD-40 Brand is auctioning its classic 1951 Chevrolet 3100 to benefit SEMA Cares charities, including Childhelp. The auction is taking place on BringaTrailer.com from Feb. 28 to March 7. WD-40 Brand and SEMA Cares partnered with Trad Ronfeldt to rebuild the WD-40 Brand/SEMA Cares Custom 1951 Chevrolet 3100, which debuted at the 2021 SEMA Show at the WD-40 Brand booth. All of the proceeds from the auction will go to SEMA Cares Charities, including Childhelp, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse. Ronfeldt – a seasoned automotive mechanic, fabricator, welder, and professional off-road crew chief – had an ambitious plan to rebuild the vehicle from the ground up. He wanted to create something that looked like it just rolled off the production line, and he accomplished this and more. The 1951 Chevrolet 3100 is now a road-ready vehicle that maintains its classic look with a custom-built dually rear-end, backed by added horsepower and superior performance. Ronfeldt fabricated the truck bed from new materials to imitate the truck’s body lines to make it look like a Chevrolet production piece straight off the assembly line. In addition, the vehicle has numerous updates, including: A V-8 fuel-injected 383 Stoker producing 500+ horsepower  Custom dually rear with widened Currie axle  New suspension design  A restored cab interior with new upholstery and distressed leather seats  A custom patina paint job  Completely new drivetrain and transmission  View images of the truck and learn more at wd40.com/custombuild. To date, WD-40 Brand has built and auctioned more than 10 vehicles and raised more than $1 million for charity. The post WD-40 Auctioning 1951 Chevy 3100 For SEMA Cares Charities appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts announced that its DieHard brand is the world’s first automotive battery to receive circular economy validation as validated by UL. The validation applies to DieHard’s line of AGM batteries manufactured by Clarios, a global leader in advanced battery technologies and energy-storage solutions. UL’s team of experts used a science-based, mass balance approach within its recycled-content standard (UL 2809, the Environmental Claim Validation for Recycled Content) to validate the sustainable reclamation and manufacturing process of DieHard AGM batteries. Used batteries collected at Advance retail stores undergo a recovery process, with plastics and lead recycled and used by Clarios in the production of new DieHard AGM batteries. “We’re thrilled to officially announce that every new DieHard AGM battery is made from recycled material from old batteries that are returned to an Advance or Carquest store,” said Tom Greco, Advance’s president and chief executive officer. “The only way such a claim can be made is through close collaboration across the entire supply chain, including our supplier Clarios, our customers as well as all of our Advance team members and Carquest independent partners. “Today’s consumer takes into consideration how their purchasing decisions impact the environment. With this validation, motorists who choose DieHard AGM know they’re making an environmentally conscious choice. Clarios shares our commitment to environmental sustainability and they have been a tremendous partner throughout this process. We applaud their work in helping to establish a circular economy through responsible manufacturing and recycling.” During the validation process, UL determined that 94% of the materials in new batteries are from batteries collected at Advance retail stores, significantly reducing the environmental impact and resources needed to manufacture new plastics or mine for virgin lead. “UL’s validation of our closed-loop manufacturing process for DieHard’s AGM battery reaffirms our vision of being a leader in sustainability,” said Mark Wallace, president and chief executive officer of Clarios. “Clarios is proud to have been invited to secure this validation in a new category and in close collaboration with the team at Advance. We look forward to powering into the future sustainably alongside great partners like Advance.” DieHard is sold at Advance and participating Carquest Auto Parts locations nationwide. “UL’s Environmental Claim Validation program is designed to help brands like Clarios and Advance demonstrate their commitment to sustainability with confidence,” said Doug Lockard, vice president and general manager, retail and consumer products group at UL. “The closed-loop circularity claim on DieHard AGM batteries can help customers select a more sustainable auto battery while protecting our planet by keeping valuable materials out of landfills.” The post DieHard Battery Earns UL Validation For Recycled Content appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Optronics International, a Tulsa, Oklahoma-based manufacturer of vehicle harnesses, electronic control systems and LED lighting for the global transportation industry, kicked off its 50th-anniversary celebration with the announcement that it will be moving its North American headquarters into a new 200,000-square-foot facility on a 17-acre campus. Accompanying the announcement was the introduction of a new 50th-anniversary logo and a newly revised corporate website. Details of the new facility, logo, website and other related developments will be presented to the industry at Optronics booth 5191 during NTEA Work Truck Week 2022, scheduled for March 8–11 in Indianapolis. “Fifty years is a milestone that few companies ever achieve,” said Brett Johnson, president and CEO of Optronics International. “I’m happy and proud to say that Optronics has enjoyed five decades of continuous growth throughout a myriad of economic cycles as well as the current pandemic with its related supply chain challenges.” Established in 1972, the company has thrived, but Johnson points to the most recent decade as Optronics’ most pivotal, asserting that the company dramatically altered the competitive landscape in the commercial-vehicle lighting and harness business, inexorably disrupting the status quo in the process. “Our 2020 acquisition of USA Harness alone made Optronics one of only a few manufacturers capable of fully serving the light-, medium- and heavy-duty commercial-vehicle industry with both lighting and harness technologies,” Johnson said. “This is just the beginning of the sea change that is to come.” With 700 staff members worldwide, Optronics will ultimately consolidate its three current Oklahoma-based operations into the new Tulsa facility and will maintain its Goshen, Indiana, location and its USA Harness manufacturing plant in Winnsboro, Texas. The Tulsa campus will serve as the company’s corporate headquarters, as well as a research and development lab, assembly plant and distribution hub, and will allow Optronics to immediately expand to accommodate rapid growth. Optronics also has taken the occasion of its anniversary to highlight its updated web presence and the introduction of a revised Optronics USA Harness logo, which includes a representation of the company’s signature Glo-Light lamp as a central feature. Through the remainder of 2022, the logo also will include a “50 years” designation. “We’re looking forward to first publicly celebrating our anniversary with staff, customers and industry contacts during Work Truck Week 2022,” said Marcus Hester, chief marketing officer for Optronics International. “Our interactive booth will feature our anniversary graphics, highlight lighting and harness displays and enable us to access interactive content.” Optronics’ website makes it easy for users to select and filter information on more than 3,000 of the industry’s most advanced lighting and harness product offerings, according to the company. The site also includes a 360-degree product-viewing feature that allows users to closely examine products from all angles while accessing technical and product data. The website includes more than 500 recently added items, including Optronics’ “Smoke Series” lamps, new trilingual packaging and a variety of multi-function lamps, DOT utility lamps and white LED lamp products. Optronics also has a number of unique new lighting solutions now under development. All Optronics LED lamps come with Optronics’ no-hassle, one-diode lifetime warranty that will replace any lamp if even one diode fails. When Optronics’ LED lighting is purchased in conjunction with its patented USA Plus Harnessing, the entire system is protected by the no-hassle lifetime warranty. “Although we try to do it in every interaction, all of us at Optronics would like to offer our deepest and most sincere thanks to our customers,” Johnson said. “Not only have they made our first 50 years possible; they have made each of them a resounding success.” Optronics products are available in the United States and Canada through the company’s extensive distribution network of more than 30,000 distribution locations. Users can access individual Optronics distributor websites by simply clicking on their logo icons. For information on international sales and distribution of Optronics products, contact Dorian Drake at 914-697-9800, or visit http://doriandrake.com. The post Optronics Marks 50-Year Anniversary With New HQ, Website, Logo appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In our 2022 Distribution Preview in the January issue of AMN/Counterman, aftermarket leaders talk about some of the key issues affecting the industry, and discuss their plans, goals and expectations for the year ahead. This year, we added several fun “Lightning Round” questions that you won’t want to miss. Here’s our Q&A with Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. AMN/CM: What did your organization accomplish in 2021 that you are most proud of? BH: Without question, I am most proud of the fact we were able to meet once again at AAPEX in 2021. The Auto Care team along with our show partners at MEMA put extensive thought into the health and safety protocols that were implemented. Despite the severely diminished presence of our international attendees, by all accounts the show was successful and I have heard consistent feedback from our guests that they were able to hold productive meetings. We are an industry that values face-to-face interaction and while our 18 months of Teams and Zoom meetings got the job done, there is no substitution for sitting across the table from your customer or supplier. In addition to the show itself, our communities such as Women In Auto Care, YANG and Import Vehicle all had the opportunity to once again reunite, share stories and find the connection that turns a meeting of diverse people into a true community. AMN/CM: As advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and other emerging technologies become more prevalent on new vehicles, it will require the brightest minds to service and repair them. How can we better position this challenge as an opportunity for the parts and service segments of the aftermarket? BH: There is no question that today’s vehicles are becoming more and more complicated technologically and require different skill sets for maintenance and diagnostics. In order for us to meet the technician shortage and skills gap, we need to continually push our state and federal governments to invest in apprenticeship programs in order to draw and retain talented young women and men into the industry. The opportunity for our industry is that the shops that make the investments in training and tools will be successful for many generations to come. Not every shop will be able to invest in their businesses to support full ADAS repair/calibration and we will begin to see more and more aftermarket ADAS “specialists,” just as we saw exhaust specialists 50 years ago, as this technology becomes more and more prevalent. Pricing models will change at the shop level as well, with diagnostics accounting for a much larger percentage of the repair bill, which, in turn, will help pay for the technological expertise required of today’s technicians. AMN/CM: What do you feel is the greatest threat facing the automotive aftermarket right now? This is not going to be a popular answer, but in my opinion APATHY is our greatest threat. Business is good, we are growing despite a pandemic, and parts supply can’t meet demand. What’s not to like? Well, if you take a look at the threats our industry is facing both from a regulatory and technological standpoint, we need to all become more activated in preserving our future. Our industry has fewer than 10 lobbyists collectively advocating for our behalf; the automakers employ more than 270. Despite the fact that we employ more than 4 million people, we have a hard time activating people in our industry to become engaged in the preservation of our future. This would entail hosting a member of Congress at their place of business, donating to ACPAC or something as simple as signing a petition that supports Right to Repair. We also have to acknowledge the advances in technology and prepare our industry for the transition to selling/installing parts with associated code and the growth of the EV. We have always adapted and need to get young women and men trained for the next generation of vehicle repair. AMN/CM: What phrase describes your “words to live by?” RH: Do the right thing. AMN/CM: What is your best icebreaker at a networking reception? RH: How’s business? AMN/CM: What is your dream car, or favorite vehicle you’ve owned? RH: Dream car: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Favorite car: My first one, 1970 Buick Skylark The post Auto Care’s Bill Hanvey: ‘Apathy Is Our Greatest Threat’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

While O’Reilly Auto Parts launched its dual-market business strategy in 1978, the company’s roots are in serving DIFM customers. Over the years, the company has built up enough brand equity with repair shops that O’Reilly has been able to employ a premium-pricing approach with much of its professional-customer base. “Throughout our history, we’ve been steadfast in earning our professional customer’s business by providing excellent customer service from highly trained professional parts people with rapid access to industry-leading inventory at competitive prices,” O’Reilly CEO Greg Johnson said during the company’s Feb. 10 conference call. “This unwavering commitment to customer service has allowed us to drive exceptional value for our customers and capitalize on competitive advantages to earn pricing premium in many of our markets.” The unprecedented events of the past two years have changed O’Reilly’s calculus on growing its DIFM business. With some smaller independent parts sellers struggling to cope with the supply chain disruptions, demand volatility and inflationary pressures of the current market environment, O’Reilly sees an opportunity to grab a larger slice of the DIFM pie. On the heels of record financial results for the full year and fourth quarter of 2021, O’Reilly recently rolled out targeted, companywide price cuts for DIFM customers, with the goal of winning new business and capturing more sales from existing professional customers. DIFM Market ‘Very, Very Fragmented’ Johnson outlined the new DIFM pricing initiative during the company’s Feb. 10 conference call. He asserted that the turbulent market conditions of the past two years – characterized by supply chain shocks and wild swings in customer demand – “have been more disruptive on the do-it-for-me side of the business, which remains very, very fragmented.” The challenging environment in the DIFM market has magnified the gap between the large national retailers like O’Reilly and some of the smaller independent players, Johnson noted. “Against this backdrop, we have been very successful in gaining professional market share and growing substantially faster than the overall market through the strength of our industry-leading inventory availability, tiered distribution and hub network and world-class professional parts people,” Johnson added. “However, we believe that the current disruptive environment presents an opportunity for us to enhance our competitive positioning and leverage our competitive advantages to drive accelerated long-term market share gains.” Over the past few quarters, O’Reilly has tested several DIFM pricing strategies in multiple markets, and the company was “very encouraged” by the results,” according to Johnson. “After dialing in our strategy,” O’Reilly rolled out the professional pricing initiative companywide at the beginning of February. Johnson emphasized that O’Reilly’s “service-over-price philosophy” isn’t changing. COO Brad Beckham echoed Johnson’s comments, noting that the goal of the initiative is to turbocharge O’Reilly’s gains in DIFM market share “based on all the services we offer along with a very competitive price.” “We strongly believe that the lion’s share of the professional business in the marketplace is won day-in and day-out through exceptional customer service and rapid inventory availability,” Beckham asserted during the conference call. “However, we believe we can generate solid long-term returns by further investing in professional pricing. “As an important part of our professional pricing initiative, we are intentionally not positioned as the lowest-price competitor in each market, and our store and sales teams remain as committed as ever to earning our customers’ business by out-hustling and out-servicing our competitors.” ‘Not a Race to the Bottom’ The pricing initiative was a hot topic during the question-and-answer session with investment analysts. One analyst asked if the pricing initiative could be a slippery slope leading to additional price cuts in the future. In his response, Johnson insisted that it’s not “a race to the bottom.” “I want to reiterate that this is a targeted approach. This is a very scientific approach that we’re taking,” Johnson said. “This is not across the board. This price enhancement was done by category, by SKU. And based on our performance, our supply chain strength, we still feel that we can charge a premium to our professional customers.” Responding to a similar question from another analyst, Johnson emphasized: “We are not doing this to be the lowest price in the marketplace.” “We’re not saying price is not important,” he added. “What’s more important to that professional customer is the relationship we have with them, the inventory availability that we have and our consistent performance and ability to get that part to them [on time] so they can complete the jobs they’re working on. Our professional customers will always prioritize that over price, assuming that we’re competitive on price. So we feel like this move will enable us to take additional market share, both from existing customers and from customers we may not be getting business from today.” Beckham asserted that the pricing initiative is aimed at repair shops of all shapes and sizes, from the shade-tree mechanics and independent garages to the regional players and national chains. In particular, company leaders believe the pricing initiative could help O’Reilly make inroads with its existing customers that are sourcing parts from O’Reilly and other suppliers – “maybe a piece from our public competitors, a really big piece from the independents and then another piece of their monthly purchases from a specialty company.” “We’re already delivering to these shops,” Beckham added. “In some cases, we’re delivering part of the job that maybe they had to get another item from somewhere else. We just see tremendous opportunity [here], and our customers are telling us that with our inventory availability, our service, our people, if we can make some adjustments [on price], we really have a huge opportunity to turn into the first and only call for those garages.” During the Q&A session, CFO Tom McFall provided more color on O’Reilly’s approach to setting price levels vis-à-vis its competitors. “We have a wide range of competitors and … some compete solely on price. A lot of specialty, one-line suppliers get business by being absolutely the lowest price, and that’s not our business model,” McFall explained. “ So when we say we’re going to be within a competitive range, obviously it depends on how expensive the part is. “… And what we have to remember is the biggest cost for our professional installers is their labor. And that ability to turn those bays is what turns their profit. So we want to make sure that we’re pricing holistically, for the quality of the product, the availability of the product, the team that we offer, the services that we offer – so we look at it in aggregate. “There’s always going to be someone … who will be the lowest price. And if that’s how you sustain your business, if somebody comes along and decides to drop the price, you’re going to be in trouble. We want to have a relationship and a partnership with our professional shops that helps them make money over the long term.” The post O’Reilly Cutting Parts Prices For DIFM Customers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

AutoZone will invest $185.2 million to build a new warehouse and distribution center in New Kent, Virginia, according to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office. The 800,000-square-foot DC and direct import facility will serve as AutoZone’s East Coast distribution operation, enabling the company to access nearly half of U.S. consumers within a one-day drive. AutoZone has more than 145 stores in Virginia and more than 735 stores in neighboring states along the East Coast, according to the company. The DC will create 352 new jobs, according to the governor’s office. The facility will be the first major tenant in the New Kent City Center industrial park, according to an article by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The 1,600-acre New Kent City Center, billed as “Virginia’s largest ready-to-develop multiple-use site,” is located near I-64 and state Route 106 Former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam approved a $2.51 million grant to assist New Kent County with the project. AutoZone is eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program, and will be able to take advantage of funding and services from the Virginia Jobs Investment Program to supports its onboarding and training efforts, according to the state. Dominion Energy Virginia also will assist with the project. “During our rigorous and competitive search process to identify our next distribution center location, Virginia and New Kent County leadership were tremendous and instrumental in us deciding to join this wonderful community,” AutoZone CEO Bill Rhodes said in a news release. “Our large-scale investment in New Kent County is an important part of our strategy for accelerated growth and represents our commitment to always put customers first.” In a news release, state officials touted Virginia as “a premier logistics destination serving as a single gateway into critical customer markets.” “AutoZone’s decision to establish such a large footprint in the commonwealth is a testament to the infrastructure assets we have in place to ensure their products get to more store shelves predictably,” Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller said. “The Youngkin administration will actively seek ways to ensure The Port of Virginia and the road and rail freight corridors are positioned to handle increased capacity for years to come.” Stephen Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, applauded AutoZone for its decision “to build its East Coast distribution center in Virginia and capitalize on the access to global markets offered by The Port of Virginia. “This company is going to be a significant importer, so consistency in its logistics supply chain is critical to a successful operation,” Edwards added. “The investments we’re making in our terminals will help to ensure that AutoZone can grow its volumes without concern. We welcome AutoZone and are looking forward to a long, collaborative relationship.” AutoZone’s existing distribution centers are located in Ontario, California; Pasco, Washington; Terrell, Texas; Hazleton, Pennsylvania; Lexington, Tennessee; Lavonia, Georgia; Tolleson, Arizona; Ocala, Florida; Zanesville, Ohio; and Danville, Illinois. In December, AutoZone announced plans to build a new distribution center in Chowchilla, California. The post AutoZone To Build New DC In Virginia appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

PPG’s 2021 Automotive Color Popularity Report highlights increased demand for two-tone finishes, personalized colors and other emerging trends among car buyers. The rise of two-tone finishes reflects consumers’ desire for personalization, PPG explains. Considerable progress in color science and application technologies provide an opportunity to bring these styling choices to the masses in a more practical and sustainable manner. “It’s fitting that two-tone finishes would come back into favor during this time when we as a society are looking to the past,” said Misty Yeomans, PPG color styling manager, automotive OEM, Americas. “Along with special-order colors, tinted clearcoats, tri-coats and matte finishes, two-tone finishes better reflect vehicle owners’ individual preferences and personalities.” Although two-tone finishes were common in the 1950s and 1960s, conventional color development and application processes made them increasingly impractical in mass-production environments. The traditional process for achieving a two-tone finish requires labor-intensive masking of the vehicle body and multiple runs through the paint shop. PPG has helped global OEMs overcome this challenge through a breakthrough application technology that produces crisp paint edges without the use of masking and other time-intensive steps. PPG’s precision application process can reduce paint-shop application time by approximately 50 minutes per two-tone vehicle, according to the company. It supports sustainability goals by reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and eliminating the need for energy-intensive air-filtering systems to handle overspray. Color personalization also is enabled through PPG advancements in digital color styling, which dramatically reduces the time to market for new colors, according to PPG. Other trends highlighted in the PPG report are rising popularity of grays, blues, greens and violets, with vibrant new colors more likely to debut on sporty models rather than SUVs and pickups. Green, with its connection to nature, sustainability and inclusiveness, remains strong worldwide. This will continue to be an important color space for the automotive industry. “Green is also seen as a ’traffic light’ color, acting as a signal for everyone to go forward – it’s safe and we can trust this color,” Yeomans said. “Green has two directions. One is sporty, fresh and vivid. The other is organic and darker, with deeper tones developed or designed as dark luxury greens yet still with a sporty and fresh attitude.” From a global perspective, white (35% of vehicle builds) and black (18%) continue to be the predominant choices of car buyers, while demand for grays has increased 2% in each of the past two years. Blues remain strong at 8%, while reds dropped to 7% of builds. This was led by a 1.5% drop among North American consumers. PPG also sees increased emphasis on taking a holistic approach to vehicle styling. “We consider all surfaces and features of the vehicle as part of our color styling process,” said Yeomans. “As one example, we’re seeing increased use of specialized wheel coatings and colors to complement the styling cues of the vehicle body.” PPG’s unique position as a global color leader enables the company to observe and translate emerging color trends for customers’ applications – from consumer goods to automotive color and residential to commercial and industrial design.Using this fact-based approach, PPG color experts help customers generate color ideas based on cultural and demographic trends. The resulting color technologies coat a wide range of materials and surfaces, shorten development cycles and bring more desirable and better-looking products to market faster. The post PPG Report Shows 2-Tone Finishes Gaining Favor Among Car Buyers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

O’Reilly Automotive Inc. announced record revenue and earnings for full-year and fourth-quarter 2021. Full-year 2021 sales increased 15% to $13.33 billion, while same-store sales for the year jumped 13.3%. The results represent 29 consecutive years of comparable-stores sales growth and record revenue and operating income for O’Reilly since becoming a public company in April of 1993. “Team O’Reilly’s dedication to unsurpassed customer service levels and relentless focus on profitable growth translated our strong top-line performance in 2021 into a record 21.9% operating margin, which exceeded our previous record operating margin by over 100 basis points,” O’Reilly CEO Greg Johnson said in a news release. “Our full-year diluted earnings per share increased 32% to $31.10, which represents a compounded annual growth rate of 25% over the last three years. I would like to congratulate Team O’Reilly for exceeding our sales and profitability goals in yet another incredible year and thank each of them for their continued hard work and dedication to our ongoing success.” Sales for fourth-quarter 2021, which ended Dec. 31, were up 16% to $3.29 billion compared to fourth-quarter 2020. Fourth-quarter comparable-store sales grew 14.5% year-over-year. “This incredible performance in the fourth quarter caps a tremendous year for our company, a year in which we delivered the best financial results in our company’s history, after setting the same records in 2020,” Johnson said. “Our full-year 2021 comparable-store sales growth of 13.3%, on top of our strong 2020 performance, represents a two-year stack of 24.2% and is a testament to our team’s unrelenting dedication to our customers. These accomplishments are all the more impressive in light of the extremely difficult challenges our team has faced the past two years, and I am extremely grateful for Team O’Reilly’s commitment to meeting the critical needs of our customers during the pandemic.” O’Reilly’s full-year 2022 guidance is for revenue between $14.2 billion and $14.5 billion, and comparable-store sales growth between 5% and 7%. “As we look forward to 2022, we remain confident in the strength of our team and our industry, and our 2022 financial guidance reflects our expectations for continued strong customer demand, as well as our planned strategy to further invest in pricing on the professional side of our business,” Johnson said. “We continually monitor the competitive landscape in our industry and have been extremely pleased with our ability to grow both our DIY and professional business at record levels over the last two years. However, we believe we have an opportunity to accelerate our professional share gain through targeted competitive adjustments to our pricing strategy.” The post O’Reilly Reports Record 2021 Results appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In our 2022 Distribution Preview in the January issue of AMN/Counterman, aftermarket leaders talk about some of the key issues affecting the industry, and discuss their plans, goals and expectations for the year ahead. This year, we added several fun “Lightning Round” questions that you won’t want to miss. Here’s our Q&A with Robert Roos, president of the Pronto Automotive Distribution Network. AMN/CM: What did your organization accomplish in 2021 that you are most proud of? RR: Obviously at the beginning of 2021, we announced our merger of the Pronto and Automotive Distribution Network groups. We anticipated that the merger process would be a lengthy one that would encompass all of 2021. I am so very proud of our internal team, the collective membership and all we have accomplished. We have consolidated systems, processes and procedures to allow us to become a more productive and efficient group. While there is still much to be done, we are together a much stronger group than we could have ever been independently. I applaud the efforts of everyone involved in making our dream a reality. AMN/CM: What are your thoughts about the business environment for the automotive aftermarket in 2022? RR: Currently, we are anticipating the business environment heading into 2022 to be very similar to what we have experienced in the past year. Supply chain issues will continue to challenge us for the foreseeable future. We are hopeful that as we become more accustomed to these challenges as an industry, we will find new and improved ways to navigate these waters and mitigate the impact on our businesses. Even with the headwinds we face, we are optimistic about our industry and our ability to persevere. AMN/CM: What do you feel is the greatest threat facing the automotive aftermarket right now? RR: Another year behind us and it seems like the answer to this question continues to be “Right to Repair” and our access to vehicle data. The independent automotive industry won a huge battle in late 2020 when Massachusetts voters passed the Right to Repair bill, but the fight is far from over. Legal battles continue in the courts and our ability to access the necessary data to repair vehicles is still up in the air. We must continue to press the issue and educate people on this important issue. AMN AMN/CM: What phrase describes your “words to live by?” RR: “We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.” – Max Depree AMN/CM: What is your best icebreaker at a networking reception? RR: “Hello. I’m Robert …” I definitely need a better line. AMN/CM: What is your dream car, or favorite vehicle you’ve owned? RR: Dream car – not a good question to ask me. I’m driving an older vehicle now, so I would be happy with just about anything newer. The post Pronto Network’s Roos: Right To Repair Fight ‘Far From Over’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

FRAM announced that it has finalized a partnership with driver Daniel Suárez for the 2022 season of the NASCAR Cup Series. Suárez will represent FRAM starting with the Bluegreen Vacations Duel at Daytona on February 17. Suárez, who will be competing in his sixth season this year, will be driving the No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet. He says he is proud to carry the FRAM name as he competes at the highest level of stock car racing. “FRAM is a brand I have loved and used in almost all of my cars for many years, and this affiliation is not only very organic, but also a partnership that speaks my language,” said Suárez. “Aside from being an amazing product for any car, FRAM’s ethos and what they stand for is something that really resonates with me: a product that anyone can easily use, from an experienced mechanic to a mom or dad trying to change their filter in their own car. I feel proud to be a FRAM athlete, and I will wear that badge with honor.” Suárez grew up working alongside his father, Alejandro, in a car-restoration shop in his hometown of Monterrey, Mexico. It was there, in his father’s garage, where he was first introduced to FRAM filters and where he adopted a do-it-yourself approach to vehicle maintenance and repair. “FRAM is proud to partner with Daniel Suárez. His history with the brand made this partnership a natural fit, and we look forward to working together this season,” said Patrick Reyes, marketing manager for FRAM. “Daniel’s NASCAR success and his restoration of old cars is the perfect blend of the historical tradition and innovative excellence that the FRAM brand stands for.” With a legacy that goes back decades, FRAM provides a full set of filtration products to keep contaminants under control in critical spaces. Oil flow, engine air filtration and clean cabin air can all be protected with FRAM filters. Stay up-to-date with FRAM on Facebook and Instagram, and follow Daniel Suárez on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Learn more about FRAM filtration products at fram.com. The post FRAM Inks Partnership With NASCAR Cup Driver Daniel Suárez appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

D-A Lubricant Co. announced a new look for its PennGrade passenger-car motor oil and PennGrade1 high-performance oil – a first since D-A acquired the PennGrade name and logo in 2015. The PennGrade lineup of motor oil for passenger cars is now color-coded to demonstrate the distinct levels of viscosities between the synthetic, full synthetic and premium full synthetic motor oils. “The refresh on the labeling with the new color system makes it easier for the consumer to identify and differentiate between our good, better and best selection of motor oils for passenger cars,” said D-A Lubricant owner and CEO Mike Protogere. “Depending on the consumer’s price point and what features they are looking for, they can choose the right D-A oil for their car.” Operated in the United States for 100 years, D-A Lubricant is the first company ever to specialize exclusively in the manufacturing and distribution of heavy-duty lubricants designed especially for heavy-duty equipment, according to D-A. “D-A is already well-known and highly regarded in the heavy-duty and construction industries, but we want our customers to understand the full breadth of our lubricants and related products, which also includes those for passenger cars,” Protogere said. “We take great pride in our robust product portfolio – from industrial and agriculture to mining, power generation, on-highway transportation and automotive – and want our customers to be more aware of all we offer to fill their lubrication needs.” Also part of the branding refresh is an updated label for the iconic PennGrade 1 high-performance oil. The redesign helps differentiate PennGrade1 from the rest of the PennGrade family and includes a nod to the Brad Penn logo. “We want our customers loyal to the Brad Penn brand to know PennGrade 1 – The Original Green Oil – as well as the entire PennGrade 1 product line is the same product today as it has been for decades,” Protogere said. “It continues to use the unique Pennsylvania Grade base oil cut and the specially selected high-zinc, high-phosphorus formulation that’s been known and trusted by high-performance engine builders and vehicle owners for decades.” Family-owned and operated, D-A Lubricant is located in a state-of-the-art facility in Lebanon, Indiana. The 250,000-square-foot building includes space for offices, blending, processing, packaging, a technical lab, rail loading and offloading and 14 dock doors. D-A produces engine oils, transmission lubricants, greases, gear lubricants, hydraulic oils, antifreezes, specialty products and industrial grade lubricants. “D-A has a long history of quality, both in our products and our service,” Protogere said. “We believe this label refresh will create opportunities for a bigger on-shelf presence and awareness of the D-A brand to more customers across the country.” For more information about D-A Lubricant, visit dalube.com or call 317-923-5321. The post D-A Lubricant Unveils New Look For PennGrade, PennGrade1 appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Northwood University and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) are proud to announce Bill Long, president and CEO of MEMA, is among the 2022 class of Outstanding Business Leaders. The Outstanding Business Leader Award honors men and women from across the world who have made a difference in their business and community. Long, who has more than 40 years of experience in all sectors of the automotive industry, came to MEMA at a critical time. Vehicle suppliers were witnessing some of the greatest technological innovations in history while navigating significant regulatory mandates, workforce shortages, tariffs and border adjustment taxes and a new North American trade agreement. Through Long’s leadership, vehicle suppliers were deemed essential during the pandemic and MEMA gained a vital seat at the table with government policymakers and has emerged as a powerful voice in the national conversation on the issues affecting its 1,000 member companies. Long is a highly respected industry leader with more than 30 years of experience in all sectors of the automotive industry. He joined MEMA in 2012 to lead its AASA division before taking the top spot as MEMA president and CEO in February 2019. Prior to joining AASA, he served as president of Long Strategies LLC and as managing partner of BC Partners LLC, providing strategic planning, brand relevance and leadership services to clients in the automotive industry. Long is most recognized for his 25 years at Echlin/DANA, leading the company’s engine management division, and as executive vice president, North American operations for Proliance International, a leading manufacturer of temperature control and heat-exchange products. He also is well-known in motorsports circles, where he served as a corporate officer for NASCAR in Daytona Beach and as a top executive for the IndyCar Series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 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. 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 will receive an engraved crystal recognizing their honor. The 2022 gala will be held Saturday, April 23, at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. The post Bill Long Named Northwood Outstanding Business Leader appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In our 2022 Distribution Preview in the January issue of AMN/Counterman, aftermarket leaders talk about some of the key issues affecting the industry, and discuss their plans, goals and expectations for the year ahead. This year, we added several fun “Lightning Round” questions that you won’t want to miss. Here’s our Q&A with Sue Godschalk, president of Federated Auto Parts. AMN/CM: What did your organization accomplish in 2021 that you are most proud of? SG: Last year, the Federated team was determined to get back to some sense of normalcy. We put more emphasis on finding ways to help our members improve their businesses. We ran a very successful sales-driven promotion that benefited both our members and supplier partners, and we tied that promotion to the Federated 400 NASCAR race in Richmond, Virginia. We also focused on enhancements in areas such as training and data services. We worked hard to help our members grow their sales while focusing on improving efficiencies at headquarters through more emphasis on cutting expenses and cross-training employees. When supply chain disruption created another challenge, the situation was made less painful for our membership due to the Federated Co-Man Warehouse. The Federated Co-Man operation was able to fill orders for many products that members were having trouble sourcing from suppliers. Having talented buyers and dedicated employees at our Co-Man facility helped to keep the shelves stocked at our member locations. I am so proud of the Federated leadership and membership and as they continue to prove that they are determined, innovative and resilient. I look forward to an even stronger 2022. AMN/CM: What are some of the biggest trends that could have an impact on your business in 2022? SG: Supply chain disruption remains a top concern for 2022. Many companies continue to face shipping delays, making order fulfillment difficult. I believe we can also expect to see an enormous amount of ensuing price changes continue in 2022, and persisting labor shortages will have a major effect on businesses. I think COVID-19 will continue to impact the labor shortage, as will the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of a new federal vaccine mandate. In 2021, we saw a change in consumers’ vehicle preferences. Light trucks (pickups, SUVs, CUVs) became a larger share of the overall vehicle population. I believe this trend will continue in 2022. Replacement parts for these vehicles typically cost more. Plus, these are the types of vehicles that consumers like to accessorize – two positives for aftermarket sales. Another trend that will continue to be strong in the coming year and beyond is online retailing. Before COVID-19, many automotive companies were hesitant to provide online ordering to consumers. Statistics have clearly shown that online selling has become the new normal. Increased production of electric vehicles with digital technology will certainly impact the aftermarket. All indications are that electric vehicles will come sooner rather than later. I expect we will see OEMs create EV-specific maintenance plans with the intent to convince consumers that they are the only source qualified to work on these vehicles. Having trained technicians with access to vehicle-repair specifications, along with the proper diagnostic equipment, will be key for independent repair shops to manage the complexity of the next generation of vehicles. AMN/CM: What do you feel is the greatest opportunity in the automotive aftermarket right now? SG: Increased sales of pre-owned vehicles will certainly benefit aftermarket sales. All indicators show that the demand for used vehicles will continue to be high. Late-model used vehicles feature the latest technology, requiring automotive repair shops to have well-trained technicians to correctly install parts and service vehicles. Because consumers are keeping their vehicles longer, the chance of component failures will increase the need for vehicle service and aftermarket parts. AMN/CM: What phrase describes your “words to live by?” SG: That which does not kill us makes us stronger. AMN/CM: What is your best icebreaker at a networking reception? SG: How is everything going for you so far? AMN/CM: What is your dream car, or favorite vehicle you’ve owned? SG: I love my current vehicle … a 2014 Audi Q5. The post Federated CEO: ‘Supply Chain Disruption Remains A Top Concern’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts reported a company-record $11 billion in net sales for full-year 2021, an 8.8% increase over 2020. Comparable-store sales for 2021 were up 10.7%, according to the company. Fourth-quarter 2021 net sales were up 1.3% to $2.4 billion. Excluding sales from the extra week in the fourth quarter of 2020, net sales in fourth-quarter 2021 increased 8.6%. Comparable-store sales grew 8.2% in the fourth quarter. “Advance had a strong fourth quarter and delivered a record year in 2021 across all key metrics,” CEO Tom Greco said in a news release. “We remained focused throughout the year on the execution of the strategy we outlined last April to deliver top-quartile total shareholder return. Thanks to the dedication of our team members and independent partners, our business is substantially stronger and better positioned today than it was prior to the pandemic.” Greco noted that the company returned a record $1 billion in cash to shareholders through share repurchases and quarterly cash dividends. In addition, Advance has granted more than 24,000 stock awards to frontline team members, as part of its “Fuel the Frontline” program. “This investment creates an ownership culture that helps enable Advance to remain an employer of choice for the long term,” Greco added. For full-year 2022, Advance said it expects net sales in the range of $11.2 billion and $11.5 billion. The company expects to open as many as 150 new stores this year. “We believe that we are well-positioned to deliver growth building off our record 2021 results and the ongoing execution of our strategic initiatives,” CFO Jeff Shepherd said in a news release. “We’re encouraged by the first four weeks of 2022, with comp sales trending above the top-end of our full-year guidance range as the growth drivers of our industry remain positive. However, our guide also takes into consideration macroeconomic uncertainty related to the acceleration of inflation across the economy and the impact it could have on our core customer.” The post Advance Auto Parts Reports Record 2021 Results appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

What was the decade of the four-wheel drive (4WD)? Was it the 1970s or the 1980s? Or was it both? The popularity of trucks was growing rapidly in the ‘70s, and if you had a 4WD, it was just downright cool. Custom trucks were becoming a common feature in TV shows and movies, culminating with one of the more well-known 4WD trucks of the ‘80s in the TV series “The Fall Guy.” 4WD trucks transitioned from understated vehicles that were utilized strictly for their inherent capabilities to stand-out custom road machines with graphics and features that let the world know you had one. In big letters, “4×4” became one of the most recognizable markings on a truck. Consumers wanted 4WD, and it was only a matter of time before it showed up on a car, which it did on the AMC Eagle in 1980. The popularity of the 4WD never waned, and the 4×4 graphics still adorn the side of many a pickup truck, but it also has blended permanently into SUVs and cars and has another name now: all-wheel drive. But is it the same, or is it different? Does it really matter? In order to understand, the foundation of knowledge sits with the operation of “old-school” 4WD, so let’s dial in to what it was, how it has evolved and where it is now. Rear-Wheel Drive The standard automotive powertrain for the majority of the 20th century was the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) design. The rear axle assembly housed the differential and individual axles, and it is through this assembly that power was transferred to the wheels. Since this was the prevailing design of most cars and trucks on the road, no particular attention was drawn to it. For example, there were never any big letters on the side of a car that said “RWD.” Even though front-wheel-drive (FWD) and 4WD cars were designed and manufactured during the early years of the automobile, they didn’t flourish, and the durability and simplicity of the typical RWD design made it the sole choice of automobile platforms for many manufacturers. Figure 1 pictures a typical RWD vehicle. The power generated by the engine is transferred through the transmission to the driveshaft, differential, axles and rear wheels. Figure 2 shows a typical “old-school” 4WD vehicle. A differential/axle assembly is now located at the front of the vehicle, and to transfer power to the front, a transfer case is installed after the transmission and a short driveshaft is installed between the transfer case and front axle. You also will notice that the front differential/axle assembly is different in two ways. One, the differential location is offset for clearance since the engines were always mounted in the center; and two, since the front wheels must turn in order to steer the vehicle, the axles must have some type of articulating joint at the end – the most common of which is the traditional universal joint, or U-joint. The transfer case transfers the power that exits the transmission to either the rear wheels (RWD), or the front and rear wheels at the same time (4WD.) Another feature of a traditional old-school transfer case is that it offers both high and low ranges in either RWD or 4WD positions, as well as a neutral position. This is so if the vehicle must overcome particularly difficult terrain, it can be placed in the low range so the engine will operate at a higher RPM to provide additional torque to the wheels. The high range is 1:1, which means the output speed of the transfer case is the output speed of the transmission. The low-range ratio varies depending on manufacturer. Differentials An important aspect of all this is differential operation. The differential itself transfers the power from the driveshaft to the axles, and it is necessary because it allows power to be transferred to the wheels, but also allows them to travel at different speeds when turning a corner. A conventional differential is considered an “open” design. An operating characteristic of an open differential is that it transfers power to the wheel that spins the easiest. In other words, if one wheel is on ice, for example, that wheel will spin, resulting in minimal traction. The same affect is what causes a car under heavy acceleration to “burn rubber” with only one wheel. To combat this problem, there is another type of differential that is referred to as “limited slip.” There are many different names for this type of differential depending on the manufacturer, but that’s a whole other subject and their operation is the same for the sake of this discussion. A limited-slip differential contains clutch packs built in between the side gears and the differential case. When one wheel begins to spin from loss of traction, the clutches will grab and transfer power to the other wheel. The same clutches will slip just enough to allow the wheel speeds to differ when going around a corner, so the normal differential action is still available. Performance cars typically are equipped with a limited-slip differential so under acceleration they can achieve traction through both wheels. The next time you’re driving, and you see one black mark on the road from a burnout, that vehicle had an open differential. If you see two black marks, that car had limited-slip. It’s important to note that the majority of cars and trucks come standard with open differentials, due to the additional cost of limited-slip. Limited-slip differentials have always been an option, just not standard. So, on a four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with open differentials, technically speaking, the maximum number of wheels that can put power to the ground at any given time is two. That seems kind of funny on something known as a 4×4, but it’s still twice as much traction as RWD only, and for the most part it got the job done. Most people who were really going to be in some serious off-road situations would be sure they were equipped with limited-slip differentials. We’re almost down to the final details of 4WD. For normal driving, the transfer-case gear selection would be “2WD High.” The internal construction of the transfer case is similar to a manual transmission, and there was a shifter lever protruding through the floor that was connected mechanically (via linkage or cable) to the transfer case. The vehicle operator would stop the vehicle, place the transmission in Neutral, then shift the transfer case into 4WD High, 4WD Low or 2WD Low, depending on their needs. The last factor of old-school 4WD was the front hubs. The front wheels were equipped with locking hubs. When unlocked, the wheels rotate freely, and the front axle/differential remains motionless in order to reduce drag and wear on the drivetrain. When you lock the front hubs, you are in effect locking the front wheels to the front axles and differential. When you do this, you notice an immediate effect in the steering effort and drag on the drivetrain. So, in order to engage 4WD, you had to do two things. One, shift the transfer case into 4WD so that it drives the front differential; and two, lock the front hubs so the wheels are engaged to the front differential. That’s the way it worked and that’s what you had to do. Old-school 4WD was purely mechanical, basic and crude for lack of a better description, but it worked. The drawback to having 4WD engaged was that it put additional strain on the drivetrain, caused additional wear to the tires and had a drastic effect on fuel mileage. This was because when engaged in a 4WD mode, the transfer case mechanically linked the front and rear differentials, so both of them were in effect fighting each other to turn at different speeds based on factors of traction, tire wear and vehicle direction (steering). If you’re thinking 4WD was a rather imperfect system, it was. And it wasn’t designed for full-time use on the road. But that was then – now, understanding AWD gets easy. To start with, the ability to transfer power to all four wheels has incomparable benefits for traction, vehicle stability and handling. Not only does this translate to the safety of daily driven vehicles, but it translates to the racetrack as well. The first vehicle to take advantage of an all-wheel-drive system in racing, the Audi Quattro, was such a dominating force in rally racing in the early ‘80s that it made the world take notice of AWD. All-Wheel Drive Emerges As the automotive industry was going through major changes in technology during the 1980s, 4WD was about to come along for the ride. Computers and electronics were opening a world of possibilities, and consumers were ready for a change too. All of a sudden, nobody wanted to get out and engage the front hubs on a 4WD. Pushing a button was better, so a number of different solutions were developed, including vacuum-operated hubs and vacuum and electronically actuated front axles. Constant-velocity (CV) joints began to replace U-joints and smooth out steering effort on the front of a 4WD, as well as allow for independent differentials and independent front suspension, and it didn’t take long before the mechanical engagement of the transfer case gave way to push-button 4WD. All control was now via button or knob to select 2WD High, 2WD Low, Neutral, 4WD High or 4WD Low. With electronic and vacuum control making 4WD engagement easier, it still had the problem of straining the drivetrain when engaged, and a way was needed to allow both the front and rear drivetrains to operate yet work independently of each other. The answer was a third differential mechanism in the transfer case (how the Audi Quattro system worked.) This allowed the front and rear differentials to turn at different speeds when needed, eliminating strain on the drivetrain. Some of these systems, when they first came out on trucks, were referred to as full-time 4WD. This is where the lines begin to blur on the difference between AWD and 4WD, but there are a few more advancements in technology that draw a clear line in the sand. With antilock braking systems (ABS) and traction-control systems (TCS), we all of a sudden knew exactly what was happening at each wheel at all times. Was it losing traction? Was it locking up under braking? All of this data was now available, and engineers knew that the key to vehicle performance, safety and handling all together was in the ability to precisely control what happened at each wheel at any given point in time. Here’s the icing on the cake: AWD differential technology. Traditional differentials, even limited-slip, were mechanical devices. There was no external control of how they operated. With electronics and computer control, the traditional differential became a technologically advanced unit containing not only gearsets, but also clutch packs like those in an automatic transmission, and their own pumps to pressurize the fluid. The same technology is present in both front and rear differentials, as well as center differentials/transfer cases. AWD systems have the ability to precisely control the amount of torque that is transferred to any given wheel at any point in time, providing absolute control of the vehicle. In conclusion, 4WD is functional, durable, rough and tough, but not user-friendly. AWD is the product of technology, computers and electronics. The precise control of exactly what happens at each wheel not only results in superior vehicle stability and control under any driving condition, but it also can truly transmit torque to any of the four wheels at any point in time. It’s easy to see how the lines blur between the two and opinions may vary, but the way I see it, the difference is clear. AWD is the technologically superior system. Do you want to dig deeper into any of this? Let us know! The post All-Wheel Drive vs. 4-Wheel Drive appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

With enthusiasts seeking to amp up the power in their Toyota Tundra pickups, Manley Performance has responded with a special valve-spring kit for the DOHC 5.7-liter 3UR-FE V-8 engine. This engine also is employed in Toyota Sequoia, Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 570 applications. Manley’s new kit (p/n 26205) features a set of 32 valve springs that are wound from an exceptionally pure steel alloy and engineered for use in conjunction with aftermarket camshafts that have lifts to .480 inch, according to the company. The springs have a .990-inch OD and can be used with the factory spring seat. They’re rated at 75 pounds installed and 205 pounds when open. Also included in the kit are lightweight titanium retainers. This allows the engine to achieve up to 10,000 rpm. The retainers are manufactured from heat-treated, aerospace-grade titanium and CNC-machined to exacting tolerances. They are designed for use with 5.5-millimeter stem valves and weigh only 7 grams apiece. For additional information call Manley’s tech team at 732-905-3366 or visit www.ManleyPerformance.com. Founded in 1966, Manley Performance is a Lakewood, New Jersey-based manufacturer of engine and valvetrain components. The post Manley Introduces Valve-Spring Kit For Toyota Tundra appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Applications are now being accepted for the annual Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Scholarship. High school seniors and college students in the U.S. and Canada who are interested in pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket can submit applications through March 31 by visiting the Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship Central website at www.AutomotiveScholarships.com. “We’re pleased to offer the Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Scholarship to a deserving student to help pave their way to a fulfilling career servicing or supplying parts for vehicle maintenance and repair,” said Nick DiVerde, senior marketing director, Mitchell 1. “The scholarship will help students pay for their tuition so they can achieve the skills they need to succeed in this rewarding field.” The winning student will receive a $2,500 scholarship, a check for $500 and roundtrip airfare and accommodations for the winner and a guest to attend the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference, to be held Aug. 7-11 at the Cincinnati Marriott RiverCenter in Covington, Kentucky. To be eligible, scholarship applicants must be a current student majoring in automotive technology/auto shop repair course work and meet the following criteria: Nomination from his/her NACAT instructorMinimum overall 3.0 grade-point averagePlanning to attend an accredited college or university, or already enrolled in an accredited college or universityA U.S. or Canadian citizen By completing a single application online, students will be considered for multiple scholarships for which they are eligible, including the Mitchell 1 scholarship. The streamlined website allows applicants to view the details of all scholarships available and continue to update their application until the March 31 deadline. For more information about Mitchell 1, visit www.mitchell1.com, call 888-724-6742, or locate an independent sales consultant at www.mitchellrep.com. The post Mitchell 1 Accepting Applications For Automotive Scholarship appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In this latest episode of “AMN Drivetime” with Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox, we hear from Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of the Automotive Suppliers Association (AASA). A well-known figure on the aftermarket stage, we get to know a little more about Paul’s career path, from helping his grandfather work on cars as a kid to now leading one of the aftermarket’s leading trade associations, and the interesting career choices in between. In the interview, Bill and Paul discuss a range of topics from Paul’s natural affable speaking presence to his thoughts on EVs, Right to Repair, Biden-administration policies affecting the aftermarket and more. When asked what the secret is to being such a natural and authentic public speaker, McCarthy’s response only illustrates what a passionate and humble industry servant he is. McCarthy shares that it’s easy to talk about something you care about. “My great blessing is that I get to work on behalf of the industry. I get to work on behalf of all of you, and this is an industry I’m passionate about. It’s a role I take very seriously,” he said. “The downside of course, is that I have thousands of bosses. The upside is that I have real purpose in my work and your listeners are that purpose. And it’s very motivating for us to try as a team here at AASA to champion the aftermarket industry, to support the aftermarket supplier community. So, I know I’m very blessed to get to serve in this role.” In this episode, Bill and Paul dive into: How Paul got his start in the automotive industry (00:48)What was Paul’s very unique first real, paying job? We’ll give you a hint … can you say, “a hoy matey!” (02:45)The secret to being a natural and authentic public speaker (04:08)The value of strong relationships in the aftermarket and the mentors he’s worked with (05:44)What’s on the horizon for AASA in 2022 and beyond (08:49)Paul’s thoughts on the current administration and what policies will impact AASA members (13:25) The “million-dollar question: Paul’s take on EV’s and the aftermarket’s level of preparedness for them (16:00)Thoughts on Right to Repair (19:14) Impressions from the return to AAPEX in 2020 (22:34)One hobby Paul has that surprises his team members (24:52) “AMN Drivetime” is sponsored by Litens. Watch the episode Listen to the podcast The post AASA President Paul McCarthy On ‘AMN Drivetime’ (VIDEO) appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In this latest episode of “AMN Drivetime” with Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox, we hear from Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of the Automotive Suppliers Association (AASA). A well-known figure on the aftermarket stage, we get to know a little more about Paul’s career path, from helping his grandfather work on cars as a kid to now leading one of the aftermarket’s leading trade associations, and the interesting career choices in between. In the interview, Bill and Paul discuss a range of topics from Paul’s natural affable speaking presence to his thoughts on EVs, Right to Repair, Biden-administration policies affecting the aftermarket and more. When asked what the secret is to being such a natural and authentic public speaker, McCarthy’s response only illustrates what a passionate and humble industry servant he is. McCarthy shares that it’s easy to talk about something you care about. “My great blessing is that I get to work on behalf of the industry. I get to work on behalf of all of you, and this is an industry I’m passionate about. It’s a role I take very seriously,” he said. “The downside of course, is that I have thousands of bosses. The upside is that I have real purpose in my work and your listeners are that purpose. And it’s very motivating for us to try as a team here at AASA to champion the aftermarket industry, to support the aftermarket supplier community. So, I know I’m very blessed to get to serve in this role.” In this episode, Bill and Paul dive into: How Paul got his start in the automotive industry (00:48)What was Paul’s very unique first real, paying job? We’ll give you a hint … can you say, “a hoy matey!” (02:45)The secret to being a natural and authentic public speaker (04:08)The value of strong relationships in the aftermarket and the mentors he’s worked with (05:44)What’s on the horizon for AASA in 2022 and beyond (08:49)Paul’s thoughts on the current administration and what policies will impact AASA members (13:25) The “million-dollar question: Paul’s take on EV’s and the aftermarket’s level of preparedness for them (16:00)Thoughts on Right to Repair (19:14) Impressions from the return to AAPEX in 2020 (22:34)One hobby Paul has that surprises his team members (24:52) “AMN Drivetime” is sponsored by Litens. Watch the episode Listen to the podcast The post AASA President Paul McCarthy On ‘AMN Drivetime’ (VIDEO) appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In this latest episode of “AMN Drivetime” with Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox, we hear from Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of the Automotive Suppliers Association (AASA). A well-known figure on the aftermarket stage, we get to know a little more about Paul’s career path, from helping his grandfather work on cars as a kid to now leading one of the aftermarket’s leading trade associations, and the interesting career choices in between. In the interview, Bill and Paul discuss a range of topics from Paul’s natural affable speaking presence to his thoughts on EVs, Right to Repair, Biden-administration policies affecting the aftermarket and more. When asked what the secret is to being such a natural and authentic public speaker, McCarthy’s response only illustrates what a passionate and humble industry servant he is. McCarthy shares that it’s easy to talk about something you care about. “My great blessing is that I get to work on behalf of the industry. I get to work on behalf of all of you, and this is an industry I’m passionate about. It’s a role I take very seriously,” he said. “The downside of course, is that I have thousands of bosses. The upside is that I have real purpose in my work and your listeners are that purpose. And it’s very motivating for us to try as a team here at AASA to champion the aftermarket industry, to support the aftermarket supplier community. So, I know I’m very blessed to get to serve in this role.” In this episode, Bill and Paul dive into: How Paul got his start in the automotive industry (00:48)What was Paul’s very unique first real, paying job? We’ll give you a hint … can you say, “a hoy matey!” (02:45)The secret to being a natural and authentic public speaker (04:08)The value of strong relationships in the aftermarket and the mentors he’s worked with (05:44)What’s on the horizon for AASA in 2022 and beyond (08:49)Paul’s thoughts on the current administration and what policies will impact AASA members (13:25) The “million-dollar question: Paul’s take on EV’s and the aftermarket’s level of preparedness for them (16:00)Thoughts on Right to Repair (19:14) Impressions from the return to AAPEX in 2020 (22:34)One hobby Paul has that surprises his team members (24:52) “AMN Drivetime” is sponsored by Litens. Watch the episode Listen to the podcast The post AASA President Paul McCarthy On ‘AMN Drivetime’ (VIDEO) appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In this latest episode of “AMN Drivetime” with Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox, we hear from Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of the Automotive Suppliers Association (AASA). A well-known figure on the aftermarket stage, we get to know a little more about Paul’s career path, from helping his grandfather work on cars as a kid to now leading one of the aftermarket’s leading trade associations, and the interesting career choices in between. In the interview, Bill and Paul discuss a range of topics from Paul’s natural affable speaking presence to his thoughts on EVs, Right to Repair, Biden-administration policies affecting the aftermarket and more. When asked what the secret is to being such a natural and authentic public speaker, McCarthy’s response only illustrates what a passionate and humble industry servant he is. McCarthy shares that it’s easy to talk about something you care about. “My great blessing is that I get to work on behalf of the industry. I get to work on behalf of all of you, and this is an industry I’m passionate about. It’s a role I take very seriously,” he said. “The downside of course, is that I have thousands of bosses. The upside is that I have real purpose in my work and your listeners are that purpose. And it’s very motivating for us to try as a team here at AASA to champion the aftermarket industry, to support the aftermarket supplier community. So, I know I’m very blessed to get to serve in this role.” In this episode, Bill and Paul dive into: How Paul got his start in the automotive industry (00:48)What was Paul’s very unique first real, paying job? We’ll give you a hint … can you say, “a hoy matey!” (02:45)The secret to being a natural and authentic public speaker (04:08)The value of strong relationships in the aftermarket and the mentors he’s worked with (05:44)What’s on the horizon for AASA in 2022 and beyond (08:49)Paul’s thoughts on the current administration and what policies will impact AASA members (13:25) The “million-dollar question: Paul’s take on EV’s and the aftermarket’s level of preparedness for them (16:00)Thoughts on Right to Repair (19:14) Impressions from the return to AAPEX in 2020 (22:34)One hobby Paul has that surprises his team members (24:52) “AMN Drivetime” is sponsored by Litens. Watch the episode Listen to the podcast The post AASA President Paul McCarthy On ‘AMN Drivetime’ (VIDEO) appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In our 2022 Distribution Preview in the January issue of AMN/Counterman, aftermarket leaders talk about some of the key issues affecting the industry, and discuss their plans, goals and expectations for the year ahead. This year, we added several fun “Lightning Round” questions that you won’t want to miss. Here’s our Q&A with Junior Word, president of Carquest North America. CM: What are some of the biggest trends that could have an impact on your business in 2022? JW: Our Carquest team and family of independent owners are prepared for some of last year’s biggest trends to carry into 2022. Those trends include supply chain demands, vehicle ownership and the sustained need for parts. While supply chain challenges have been a major point of interest across our industry, our store partners have continued to go above and beyond in providing quality parts and service to their DIY and Professional customers. We also know that more people than ever are owning and operating vehicles. With the increase in both miles driven and average age of vehicles on the road, there’s going to be a continued need for parts to keep these older vehicles functioning at their best. CM: What are your thoughts about the business environment for the automotive aftermarket in 2022? JW: We are seeing increased demand for parts, and this is converging with the labor shortage across the aftermarket. Despite this, we’ve been laser-focused on supporting our store partners. Our primary objective is to position our owners to drive as much business as possible while doing our part to make their lives easier as small-business owners. Our support team is leveraging technology, specifically MyCQStore, to provide valuable analytics and sales data to our store partners to help grow their businesses and operate more efficiently. Carquest’s core business is tied to professional repair shops, but we’re also working to develop growth opportunities to increase the DIY business for our store partners. We’ll continue to make additional investments in our team and the necessary resources to strengthen the Carquest brand, while reinforcing our support to store partners to ensure their longevity in the communities they serve. CM: What do you feel is the greatest opportunity in the automotive aftermarket right now? JW: Our industry is in a healthy place. I mentioned the number of vehicles on the road, the increased age of vehicles and miles driven. People feel comfortable in their cars. It’s an environment that feels safe and familiar. With that said, our team is focused on what we can control. We’re doing everything in our power to help store partners provide the right part at the right time for their customers. We want to drive more traffic to our existing Carquest locations while expanding our footprint across the U.S. We’ll accomplish this by opening Carquest retail locations as well as Carquest by Advance stores, a new concept we recently announced at AAPEX. This store model targets the growing DIY customer channel, and as a brand, we’ll be providing independent owners with operational and merchandising support to further establish their local presence. There is a lot for us to be excited about at Carquest. The bottom line is, we’re here to take care of our owners while they take care of the needs of their customers. CM: What phrase describes your “words to live by?” JW: Don’t ever forget where you came from. CM: What is your best icebreaker at a networking reception? JW: I honestly don’t have any “go-to” icebreakers, but I enjoy meeting new people and hearing about their backgrounds. CM: What is your dream car, or favorite vehicle you’ve owned? JW: My dream car is a Chevrolet Corvette Z06. The post Carquest’s Junior Word: ‘Our Industry Is In A Healthy Place’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Motorcar Parts of America (MPA) has launched a live, web-based Part Smart educational program providing OE-level training for the professional technician. Developed and taught by MPA’s ASE-certified master technicians, the Part Smart training program addresses real-world troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures, product information and manufacturer-specific systems information. The latest training event in the series continues Thursday, Feb. 24, at 12 p.m. CST, with an overview of troubleshooting and diagnosing LIN-controlled charging systems. Full class schedule and signup information will be available soon for 2022. Register now for this free one-hour Part Smart training. Seats are filling up fast! The post Get Part Smart LIN Alternator Overview Training From MPA appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article