Counterman

Standard Motor Products (SMP) announced that it is the recipient of the 2021 Spirit of NAPA trophy, presented at NAPA Auto Parts’ Vendor Summit and Supplier Awards Banquet on May 25. At the awards banquet, NAPA recognizes top suppliers for their contributions in categories such as quality, innovation, cataloging and sales leadership. The highlight of the evening is the presentation of the prestigious Spirit of NAPA trophy, NAPA’s top honor. This year, SMP was honored as the 2021 Spirit of NAPA award winner, as a testament to SMP’s significant impact on NAPA’s success. “The Spirit of NAPA encompasses market leadership, outstanding products and service, and a firm commitment to winning the right way with integrity,” said Jamie Walton, NAPA’s executive vice president & chief merchandising officer. “Equally as impressive was the fact that despite a sales increase beyond expectations and global supply challenges, this supplier maintained a fill rate well above the Industry.” “We are delighted and humbled to have been awarded NAPA’s top honor,” SMP CEO and President Eric Sills said. “We believe that the partnership between NAPA and SMP creates a powerful combination, one which has yielded tremendous success in the marketplace. “We recognize that to be successful, we need to do just about everything right, so I thank both NAPA and the thousands of SMP employees who contributed to this win.” The post Standard Motor Products Wins 2021 Spirit Of NAPA Award appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

FRAM congratulates NASCAR driver and FRAM partner Daniel Suárez on winning the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday, June 12. FRAM is sponsoring Suárez, driver of the No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet for the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season. “FRAM is proud to partner with Daniel Suárez. His history working with our filters in his dad’s car-restoration shop made this partnership a natural fit,” said Patrick Reyes, marketing manager for FRAM. “We congratulate Daniel and his team on this great win, and we look forward to his continued success on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit.” With a legacy that goes back to 1934, FRAM provides a full line of reliable engine oil, air and cabin air filtration products to keep contaminants under control in critical spaces. Follow Daniel Suárez on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and stay up-to-date with FRAM on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about FRAM filtration products at fram.com. The post FRAM Congratulates Daniel Suárez On NASCAR Cup Series Victory appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Autel U.S. announced its entry into the EV charging solutions provider industry with the release of its MaxiCharger Home and Commercial Level 2 AC chargers. The new chargers, available in 40-amp and 50-amp flexible charging configurations, are compatible with all plug-in electric vehicles and feature innovative software solutions that are the hallmark of all Autel products, the company said. MaxiCharger Home 40-amp chargers are available as either an in-body holster or a separate holster, with either a NEMA 6-50 or a NEMA 14-50 plug. The MaxiCharger Home 50-amp is an in-body holster style and is ready for hard-wire installation. The MaxiCharger Commercial Level 2 AC charger offers 50-amp flexible charging. The features of the MaxiCharger line include: • J1772 standard charging port compatible with all EVs • 25-foot charging cable with specially designed, ergonomic charging connector • Level 2 (240-volt) charging with flexible amperage settings • NEMA 6-50, NEMA 14-50 electrical plug or hard-wire options • NEMA 3R-rated for indoor and outdoor use • LED lights show charging status at-a-glance • Wi-Fi-enabled for remote access and over-the-air firmware upgrades The residential smartphone app enables scheduled charging for convenience and in-depth charging analysis to ensure you are charging at the best rates. A multi-layered commercial charger management portal provides a complete turnkey solution for property and fleet managers, workplace and commercial spaces. “As Autel transitions to the exciting new reality of greener technologies, we are eager to use our nearly 20 years of experience in developing technologies that have dramatically changed the way technicians repair vehicles as a foundation for researching and developing new energy solutions,” Autel CEO Chloe Hung said.. Visit www. autelenergy.us or contact an authorized Autel dealer for more information about Autel EV chargers. The post Autel US Introduces EV Chargers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc. has announced two promotions with its leadership team. Franchelle Thomas has been promoted to director of culture, communication and people, filling a recently vacated position. Paul Abbott has been promoted to director of corporate strategy, planning and administration. Thomas previously was the general manager of human resources NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), Inc., and will add to her responsibilities Human Resources strategies for NTK Technologies and NGK Canada. In addition, she will be responsible for driving the company culture and communications of NGK U.S.A. Thomas has been with NGK Spark Plugs for 17 years, holding positions of increasing responsibility. Abbott most recently held the position of general manager of corporate strategy and planning and will continue to develop business strategies to achieve company goals. In addition, in his new role, he will lead the corporate administration function. Abbott has been with NGK Spark Plugs for 18 months. “I am excited to announce the promotions of these highly respected leaders,” said NGK President and CEO Michael Schwab. “The contributions of Franchelle and Paul during their time at NGK have been invaluable, and I know their insight and expertise will be beneficial as they take on these additional areas of responsibility.” The post NGK Spark Plugs Announces Leadership Promotions appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

During his recent “AMN Drivetime” podcast interview with Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox, Neil Sethi, president and CEO of Transtar Holding Company, shares his fascinating journey from studying biology and medicine as an undergrad to shifting gears and finishing with an MBA focused on finance. Throughout this journey, which continues today in his role at Transtar, some key themes prevail for Sethi: the desire to serve and a passion to innovate. “The most critical value proposition for us is really to help our customers solve their problems,” said Sethi, adding later in the interview that, “I think what I learned in medical school does translate – believe it or not – into the role that I have [today]. At the end of the day, it’s all about working with great teams. It’s understanding people and understanding how to work together. It’s understanding how to work with people from all types of different backgrounds, with all different types of skill sets. [From] where I sit, it’s about really solving problems, finding opportunity and being innovative. And I think that part of what I learned about healthcare and in medical school actually continues with me to this day.” In this episode of “AMN Drivetime,” Bill and Neil also dive into the following topics: 00:45 Transtar’s partnership with Blue Point Capital Partners 01:43 The launch of Transtar’s first non-transmission product offering 02:48 New management appointments and what skillsets Neil believes make for a strong leader 04:45 How Neil made the leap from studying medicine as an undergrad to getting an MBA focused on finance and why 09:26 Family business and learning from his father-in-law, successful entrepreneur Monte Ahuja 10:22 What’s next for Transtar 13:56 How Neil defines the Transtar culture 18:00 The inside scoop on Transtar’s collision repair business based in Detroit 20:07 Passion projects: Can you guess what Neil’s hidden talent might be? 22:58 The popular new Lightning Round! AMN Drivetime is sponsored by Litens. Watch the video Listen to the podcast The post Transtar’s Neil Sethi: From Healthcare To Hard Parts (VIDEO) appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

During his recent “AMN Drivetime” podcast interview with Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox, Neil Sethi, president and CEO of Transtar Holding Company, shares his fascinating journey from studying biology and medicine as an undergrad to shifting gears and finishing with an MBA focused on finance. Throughout this journey, which continues today in his role at Transtar, some key themes prevail for Sethi: the desire to serve and a passion to innovate. “The most critical value proposition for us is really to help our customers solve their problems,” said Sethi, adding later in the interview that, “I think what I learned in medical school does translate – believe it or not – into the role that I have [today]. At the end of the day, it’s all about working with great teams. It’s understanding people and understanding how to work together. It’s understanding how to work with people from all types of different backgrounds, with all different types of skill sets. [From] where I sit, it’s about really solving problems, finding opportunity and being innovative. And I think that part of what I learned about healthcare and in medical school actually continues with me to this day.” In this episode of “AMN Drivetime,” Bill and Neil also dive into the following topics: 00:45 Transtar’s partnership with Blue Point Capital Partners 01:43 The launch of Transtar’s first non-transmission product offering 02:48 New management appointments and what skillsets Neil believes make for a strong leader 04:45 How Neil made the leap from studying medicine as an undergrad to getting an MBA focused on finance and why 09:26 Family business and learning from his father-in-law, successful entrepreneur Monte Ahuja 10:22 What’s next for Transtar 13:56 How Neil defines the Transtar culture 18:00 The inside scoop on Transtar’s collision repair business based in Detroit 20:07 Passion projects: Can you guess what Neil’s hidden talent might be? 22:58 The popular new Lightning Round! AMN Drivetime is sponsored by Litens. Watch the video Listen to the podcast The post Transtar’s Neil Sethi: From Healthcare To Hard Parts (VIDEO) appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

During his recent “AMN Drivetime” podcast interview with Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox, Neil Sethi, president and CEO of Transtar Holding Company, shares his fascinating journey from studying biology and medicine as an undergrad to shifting gears and finishing with an MBA focused on finance. Throughout this journey, which continues today in his role at Transtar, some key themes prevail for Sethi: the desire to serve and a passion to innovate. “The most critical value proposition for us is really to help our customers solve their problems,” said Sethi, adding later in the interview that, “I think what I learned in medical school does translate – believe it or not – into the role that I have [today]. At the end of the day, it’s all about working with great teams. It’s understanding people and understanding how to work together. It’s understanding how to work with people from all types of different backgrounds, with all different types of skill sets. [From] where I sit, it’s about really solving problems, finding opportunity and being innovative. And I think that part of what I learned about healthcare and in medical school actually continues with me to this day.” In this episode of “AMN Drivetime,” Bill and Neil also dive into the following topics: 00:45 Transtar’s partnership with Blue Point Capital Partners 01:43 The launch of Transtar’s first non-transmission product offering 02:48 New management appointments and what skillsets Neil believes make for a strong leader 04:45 How Neil made the leap from studying medicine as an undergrad to getting an MBA focused on finance and why 09:26 Family business and learning from his father-in-law, successful entrepreneur Monte Ahuja 10:22 What’s next for Transtar 13:56 How Neil defines the Transtar culture 18:00 The inside scoop on Transtar’s collision repair business based in Detroit 20:07 Passion projects: Can you guess what Neil’s hidden talent might be? 22:58 The popular new Lightning Round! AMN Drivetime is sponsored by Litens. Watch the video Listen to the podcast The post Transtar’s Neil Sethi: From Healthcare To Hard Parts (VIDEO) appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

During his recent “AMN Drivetime” podcast interview with Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox, Neil Sethi, president and CEO of Transtar Holding Company, shares his fascinating journey from studying biology and medicine as an undergrad to shifting gears and finishing with an MBA focused on finance. Throughout this journey, which continues today in his role at Transtar, some key themes prevail for Sethi: the desire to serve and a passion to innovate. “The most critical value proposition for us is really to help our customers solve their problems,” said Sethi, adding later in the interview that, “I think what I learned in medical school does translate – believe it or not – into the role that I have [today]. At the end of the day, it’s all about working with great teams. It’s understanding people and understanding how to work together. It’s understanding how to work with people from all types of different backgrounds, with all different types of skill sets. [From] where I sit, it’s about really solving problems, finding opportunity and being innovative. And I think that part of what I learned about healthcare and in medical school actually continues with me to this day.” In this episode of “AMN Drivetime,” Bill and Neil also dive into the following topics: 00:45 Transtar’s partnership with Blue Point Capital Partners 01:43 The launch of Transtar’s first non-transmission product offering 02:48 New management appointments and what skillsets Neil believes make for a strong leader 04:45 How Neil made the leap from studying medicine as an undergrad to getting an MBA focused on finance and why 09:26 Family business and learning from his father-in-law, successful entrepreneur Monte Ahuja 10:22 What’s next for Transtar 13:56 How Neil defines the Transtar culture 18:00 The inside scoop on Transtar’s collision repair business based in Detroit 20:07 Passion projects: Can you guess what Neil’s hidden talent might be? 22:58 The popular new Lightning Round! AMN Drivetime is sponsored by Litens. Watch the video Listen to the podcast The post Transtar’s Neil Sethi: From Healthcare To Hard Parts (VIDEO) appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

MotoRad earned top honors at the Knowledge Exchange Conference, the world’s largest gathering of automotive content professionals, vendors and solutions partners. The event is hosted by the Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN), a professional society of the Auto Care Association. Member companies encompass every major product segment within the automotive aftermarket. The Knowledge Exchange Conference was held May 15-18 in Orlando, Florida. Highlighting the conference are the ACPN Content Excellence Awards. These awards recognize best-in-class examples of data standards (ACES and PIES) use and compliance, as well as electronic cataloging and content in B2C and B2B platforms in the automotive aftermarket. MotoRad received the 2022 Content Excellence Award for ACES & PIES Data – Large Category (more than 250,000 applications) for its Thermal Management catalog. This category seeks to recognize excellent source data, and judges data files on a variety of criteria that ACPN deems as essential when creating best-in-class ACES and PIES data. “The recognition from ACPN reinforces the MotoRad belief that our commitment to excellence and improved customer experience is the driving force behind all that we do,” said Brandon Kight, MotoRad vice president of marketing. “Our product and catalog teams work tirelessly to add new coverage and provide the most up-to-date application research and rich content for our products. I could not be more proud of our team. We are extremely thankful and humbled to receive this honor from ACPN.” The post MotoRad Wins Content Excellence Award At ACPN Conference appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

To help its customers get their performance vehicles trail-ready for summer fun, Dana Incorporated is offering special pricing through June 30 on its e-commerce site for enthusiasts, DanaProParts.com. Customers who visit DanaProParts.com can use the promo code DANAPRO10 at checkout to receive 10% off their order. Visitors can quickly locate products using the year, make and model of their vehicle. They also can browse by product category for premium performance products, including Dana axles, driveshafts and components; Victor Reinz Reinzosilsealant; and cool Spicer gear. If the specific part is not found, visitors can complete an online form to make a special request. “The summer season is here and enthusiasts from coast-to-coast are getting their performance vehicles in gear for some off-road excitement,” said Bill Nunnery, senior director, sales and marketing, global aftermarket for Dana. ”With 10% off all orders through the end of June, it is a great time for adventure seekers to visit DanaProParts.com, upgrade their performance vehicles, and make their summer journeys truly memorable.” To learn more about Dana and Spicer performance products and sign up for the newsletter, visit www.DanaProParts.com. The post Dana Offering Special E-Commerce Pricing For Enthusiasts appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

AAPEX 2022 is introducing a Student Sponsorship Program and Sponsor-a-Tech Program to help increase and retain the talent pool for the automotive aftermarket. AAPEX will take place Tuesday, Nov. 1, through Thursday, Nov. 3, at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. The Student Sponsorship Program aims to ultimately nourish the industry with young talent by introducing students to AAPEX and educating them on the benefits and career opportunities in the industry. In coordination with a select number of colleges, universities and industry organizations, AAPEX will identify students with plans to work in business, engineering and service and repair. Students will be invited to apply for the program and AAPEX co-owner associations – the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) – will make the final selection. Students will be sponsored by an AAPEX exhibiting company and receive a complimentary package to attend and participate in this year’s event. The Sponsor-a-Tech Program welcomes exhibiting companies and warehouse distributors to invite technicians to AAPEX. Technicians will receive a scholarship package to AAPEX to participate in hands-on training and live demos, visit the show floor to see new products and technologies, and attend keynote sessions and special networking events. To learn more, contact Bill Glasgow, AAPEX Event Management, [email protected]. The post AAPEX Launches Programs To Attract, Retain Aftermarket Talent appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Representing “the next wave of DieHard brand innovation,” the hand tools are “made to deliver reliability and confidence that’s ideal for all DIYers, including the new, younger generation of auto enthusiasts,” Advance said in a news release. “We saw an opportunity to speak to the evolving, modern DIYer who’s looking to not only explore and build their DIY skills, but also their DIY confidence,” said Jason McDonell, executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and eCommerce at Advance. “That’s why DieHard hand tools are built with innovation in mind, along with the reliability and durability DieHard is known for.” A new, younger generation of auto enthusiasts with different levels of DIY confidence, ambitions and passions has emerged alongside an increase in vehicle demand and retention. In fact, the auto care category is expected to grow by 4.7% between now and 2027. The DieHard hand tools were specifically made to deliver the reliability and confidence these new, modern DIYers need, Advance noted. “This generation builds their toolbox over time, on a project-by-project basis that creates memory after memory,” said McDonell. “We wanted to develop tools that power their full potential – from the screwdriver that helped replace a taillight to learning why a ratchet is every auto DIYers best friend.” Hitting shelves and online just in time for Father’s Day, new DieHard hand tools are lab-tested to exceed all industry testing standards for strength and durability, with all hand tools coming with a lifetime warranty. DieHard tools were designed with new features, including an anti-slip design on all combination wrenches; ergonomic handles on all drivers; and professional-quality, 90-tooth sealed head ratchets that will last a lifetime, according to the company. Since acquiring the DieHard brand in 2019, Advance Auto Parts has continued to position the brand as driving the next generation of car care. Advance has brought the 50-year legacy of DieHard batteries to a new category – tools – and recently entered the electric-vehicle conversation with the launch of the first-to-market 12-volt battery designed specifically for hybrid and electric vehicles, DieHard EV. Advance Auto Parts also began rolling out DieHard power tools, jacks and lifts online and in store late last year. In honor of Father’s Day, shoppers can take $20 off the DieHard 152-piece 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″ Drive Ratchet Socket Set from May 26 to June 22. To further celebrate the confidence new DieHard hand tools empower, this Father’s Day, Advance identified and surprised two modern DIY dads during their first foray into DIY with their own personal hype man, Jake Fehling – the “DieHard Hype Man in a Van.” With the help of Advance, Fehling charged into each DIY moment in a DieHard-branded van to encourage those selected and power future projects with a lifetime supply of DieHard hand tools. The retailer’s “DieHard Hype Man in a Van” also visited a local Advance Auto Parts in Charlotte, North Carolina, to surprise and delight dads “in the wild” with their own new set of DieHard hand tools. View the DieHard “Hype Man” video here. The post Advance Launches New Line Of DieHard Hand Tools appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The automotive aftermarket continues to demonstrate its market strength with higher-than-expected sales in 2021 in the wake of a slow economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Total U.S. light duty automotive aftermarket sales are forecasted to increase 8.5% in 2022, totaling $356.5 billion, according to the 2022 Joint Channel Forecast Model produced jointly by the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). This data will be examined in a joint, member-exclusive webinar led by Shane Norton of S&P Global Mobility at 1 p.m. EDT on June 9. An additional 5% growth is expected for 2023 and growth will average more than 3% in 2024, bringing the light-duty aftermarket to $401.5 billion by 2025, according to the forecast. The compound average annual growth rate from 2019 to 2022 will be 5.7%, more than making up for losses seen in 2020 due to the pandemic. “Year after year, the auto care industry continues to show its strength and reliability,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “In the midst of the highest gas prices on record and an inflation rate at a 40-year high, coupled with persistent supply chain disruptions and war in Eastern Europe, vehicle miles driven, vehicles in operation and consumer spending all increased in 2021 and are projected to increase into the coming years as well.” “The automotive aftermarket once again shows its resiliency with a stronger than expected recovery from the pandemic,” commented Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of AASA. “In fact, the automotive aftermarket rose nearly 25% in the past two years despite ongoing headwinds, and we are excited to see the landmark market size of $400 billion in 2025. But as the industry advances to that landmark number, look for a new challenge to emerge as we may shift from a market supported by high demand and availability to a battle for market share. With that, we’ll see one more strength of the aftermarket emerge, collaboration with the right partners to ensure the same pace of success in this next phase of industry dynamics.” Key data in the joint channel forecast model include: Market trends influencing the aftermarket A 2021-2025 review of industry growth and forecastsIndustry sales by channel including history and forecasts Industry sales by distribution channel And more The market sizing and forecast are conducted on behalf of the Auto Care Association and AASA by S&P Global Mobility (formerly the automotive team at IHS Markit), a leading business intelligence firm. The forecast is based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s Economic Census; IMR Inc.; and proprietary data, economic analysis and forecasting models from S&P Global Mobility. The Joint Channel Forecast Model is available in the Auto Care Association’s 2023 Auto Care Factbook and in AASA’s Aftermarket Size & Forecast Report. The post US Aftermarket Sales Expected To Jump 8.5% In 2022 appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

FRAM and TRICO – part of First Brands Group family of companies – have donated $40,000 to the CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation to benefit the families of firefighters who are supported by the charitable organization. The donation was made at the No One Left Behind Spring Tribute Golf Tournament. First Brands Group Senior Director of Sales Nathan Giles and Director of Sales Erick Esparza were onsite to present CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation President/CEO Kevin O’Meara with the check on behalf of FRAM and TRICO during the post-tournament reception. “We are proud to partner with such a remarkable organization,” said Giles. “The impact that the CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation has on area firefighters and their families cannot be overstated, and we are truly honored to be able to support its lifechanging mission.” During the presentation of the donation check, O’Meara voiced his gratitude on behalf of the CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation. “This generous donation will go a long way in helping our firefighters and their families in their time of need,” he said. More than 140 golfers participated in the team tournament on May 16 at Half Moon Bay Golf Links. The event was held to benefit firefighters and their families who have suffered a debilitating injury, loss of life, were burned on duty, have an illness or need financial assistance. The tournament began with a post-registration breakfast before a shotgun start accompanied by CAL FIRE Local 2881’s Honor Guard & Pipes and Drums. The event concluded with a silent auction, awards ceremony, check presentation and reception dinner. Firefighters from CAL FIRE Local 2881 formed the CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation to engage in charitable and educational activities in support of the families of firefighters facing financial need. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit also assists burn victims while funding critical research around the occupational hazards facing firefighters. Learn more about the CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation at calfire.foundation. To learn more about FRAM and TRICO, visit fram.com and tricoproducts.com. The post FRAM, TRICO Donate To Cal FIRE Benevolent Foundation appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Autolite recently announced a new partnership with the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) as the telecast sponsor for the 2022 College National Finals Rodeo. The College National Finals Rodeo will be held from June 12-18 in Casper, Wyoming, and will broadcast live on ESPNU and ESPN3. The Autolite brand has had active sponsorship roles in motorsports for decades and is excited to team up with NIRA to support the collegiate rodeo. “NIRA is a great association, and Autolite is thrilled to be part of the excitement of college rodeo,” said Carl Weber, senior marketing director, First Brands Group. “This is the premiere event for NIRA and we’re honored to hold the role of telecast sponsor for this major competition.” For more than 85 years, Autolite has engineered quality spark plugs for consumer vehicles, race cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment and more. Learn more about the College National Finals Rodeo at cnfr.com and the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association at collegerodeo.com. Explore Autolite spark plug options at autolite.com. The post Autolite Telecast Sponsor For College National Finals Rodeo appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

NTN, the parent company of BCA Bearings, announced the receipt of a 2022 Content Excellence Award from the Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN). BCA Bearings received the Silver Award for its web-based catalog at the 2022 ACPN Knowledge Exchange Conference. “We are honored to be recognized for our web-based catalog by the ACPN,” noted Mark Richardson, catalog manager, automotive aftermarket for NTN. “Our BCABearings.com catalog lookup is the public interface for the catalog data that our team works hard to maintain. Throughout 2021, we had over 22,000 catalog lookups on the BCA website alone, so providing the most up-to-date, complete and accurate catalog data, with a user-friendly interface, is of utmost importance, and we are proud to accept this award.” The ACPN Content Excellence Awards, given annually, recognize the best examples of product cataloging in the automotive aftermarket. The Web-Based Catalog award is based on the catalog-application lookup that is purely browser-based and does not require any special client-side app to be installed. The Knowledge Exchange Conference, the world’s largest meeting of automotive content professionals, vendors and solutions partners, is hosted by the ACPN, a professional society of the Auto Care Association. Member companies represent all major product segments of the automotive aftermarket. The 2022 ACPN Knowledge Exchange Conference took place in May during the Auto Care Association’s Auto Care Connect event in Orlando, Florida. This award represents the fifth ACPN Content Excellence Award for BCA Bearings in the last six years. The post BCA Bearings Wins 2022 ACPN Silver Award For Web-Based Catalog appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Jennerstown Speedway in Jennerstown, Pennsylvania has claimed the $50,000 prize as winner of the “Advance My Track Challenge,” a community engagement-based program led by Advance Auto Parts. Jennerstown secured the most votes out of six NAAPWS (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series) tracks participating in the final round of voting. Opened in the late 1920s as a dirt oval, the speedway was paved in 1987. Officially measuring as a .522-mile track, Jennerstown hosts NAAPWS racing and other racing series from April to October on an annual basis. Jennerstown will be able to use the grand prize for capital facility enhancements and efforts to support the local community. “Jennerstown is a true gem of the grassroots racing scene in Pennsylvania, and we’re proud to celebrate their team and community as winners of the Advance My Track Challenge,” said Jason McDonell, Advance’s executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and eCommerce. “Fans have supported racing at Jennerstown for generations and winning this challenge is a great example of their passion and dedication for their local track. We’ve enjoyed seeing how Advance My Track has been embraced by the racing community and we look forward to advancing grassroots racing in the years to come.” Jennerstown also will host an Advance Auto Parts-themed night for race fans during an upcoming weekend of racing in 2022. As part of the Advance My Track Challenge, Advance awarded $15,000 to the track finishing with the second-most votes, Alaska Raceway Park in Palmer, Alaska. The track finishing in third, Adams County Speedway in Corning, Iowa, received $10,000. “It’s great to see a historic track such as Jennerstown win the Advance My Track Challenge in their return to the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series family,” said NASCAR Senior Vice President of Racing Development & Strategy Ben Kennedy. “We know Jennerstown will use this award to continue to elevate the track and grassroots racing within the community, and we appreciate Advance’s continued dedication to supporting these facilities. Additionally, we’re looking forward to Alaska Raceway Park and Adams County Speedway taking advantage of their opportunity to build upon their strong foundation in their regions.” The Advance My Track Challenge began April 5, with 21 NAAPWS tracks across the United States and Canada represented in the program’s first round of voting. Fans voted up to three times daily in the first round, which concluded May 6. The six tracks receiving the most fan votes took part in the final round of voting, from May 9-13. More than 130,000 total votes were tallied during this year’s challenge. Advance promoted the program through its partnership with the Team Penske organization and its driver Ryan Blaney, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner. He raced the No. 12 Advance Auto Parts Ford Mustang with “Advance My Track Challenge” branding at the April 9 Martinsville Speedway race and on May 9 at Darlington Raceway. “First off, I’m excited for the team at Jennerstown,” said Blaney. “It’s a track that has meant a lot to my family. My grandfather raced there for many years, so it’s neat to see them win the Advance My Track Challenge. This is such an outstanding program, and I think it’s great what Advance is doing to support local race tracks. These tracks are all so important to their communities, and for local race fans, there’s no better value than visiting your local NASCAR track on a Saturday.” Learn more about the drivers, teams and NASCAR’s local tracks that make up the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series by visiting the series page on NASCAR.com. The post Jennerstown Speedway Wins $50,000 From Advance Auto Parts appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

NTN, the parent company of BCA Bearings, has announced the addition of 12 new product SKUs to the BCA aftermarket product line. BCA’s May 2022 release includes wheel-hub assemblies for import and domestic applications, and represents premium coverage for more than 3.4 million vehicles in operation, including four first-to-market offerings, according to the company. “The SKUs included in our May release support our commitment to adding late model coverage and staying ahead of aftermarket demand.” said Rina Dafnis, assistant product manager – automotive aftermarket. “We are first-to-market with four of these 12 new SKUs, which gives BCA and our customer-base a competitive advantage in the aftermarket.” These new SKUs enhance BCA’s coverage for popular Asian brands, including Nissan/Infiniti, Kia and Honda. On the domestic front, coverage for 1.35 million Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain crossover SUVs arrives just as these vehicles begin to enter the aftermarket sweet spot for wheel-bearing replacement. BCA Bearings by NTN is a trusted supplier of OE-quality parts to the automotive aftermarket, providing a constantly expanding full line of premium wheel hubs, bearing and seals for domestic and import applications. Complete product and catalog information for the BCA Bearings product line can be found at BCABearings.com and ShowMeTheParts.com. The post BCA Bearings Adds 12 New SKUs To Aftermarket Product Line appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Perfect Stop is turning up the summer heat with its annual powersports giveaway. Six grand-prize winners will choose a powersports vehicle of their choice – worth up to $15,000. In addition to the vehicles, 150 lucky winners will take home $25,000 in gift cards. Perfect Stop is a premium line offering brake pads, rotors, calipers and cleaners for light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty applications. The brake line’s annual powersports sweepstakes draw upward of 150,000 entries as technicians vie for one of the powersports or cash prizes. Beginning June 1 and ending on July 31, technicians will earn entries by purchasing Perfect Stop through the e-commerce parts-ordering platform MyPlace4Parts. All qualifying orders are automatically entered into the sweepstakes for the six grand-prize selections, and gift cards in $100, $250 or $500 increments. “Perfect Stop has the professional technician in mind,” says Dan Rader, vice president of category management. “From our technologically advanced brake pads, sensors and calipers to our high-carbon rotors and brake cleaners and brake fluid – each product is well-designed for everyday applications. This sweepstakes encourages technicians to combine the product lines and increase the end user’s overall fulfillment. It creates the one-stop-shop for the wheel end.” Visit perfectstopsummerpromo.com for official rules and details. The post Perfect Stop Kicks Off Annual Powersports Giveaway appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Standard Motor Products (SMP) announced the addition of 146 new part numbers to its Standard, Blue Streak and Standard Import lines. SMP’s new-part-number release for May 2022 spans 55 different product categories and includes 38 part numbers for 2021 and 2022 model-year vehicles. SMP continues to expand its ADAS (advanced driver-assist systems) program with the introduction of 17 new park-assist cameras, covering more than 8 million vehicles. New blind-spot detection sensors now are available for popular Ford trucks and SUVs, including the 2013-2011 Explorer; 2012-2011 Edge; 2021-2020 Super Duty; and the 2021-2020 Explorer. Additional ADAS products including ABS speed sensors and lane-departure cameras also are included in the release. Standard’s turbocharger offering continues to grow with the release of a new turbocharger kit for the 2019-2017 Ford Diesel Super Duty. The May release also includes new turbocharger-boost solenoids, coolant lines, oil-drain tubes, charge air coolers and oil lines, helping to make sure technicians have everything they need for a complete turbo repair. In total, this month’s release includes 59 sensors, switches, actuators and connectors as Standard continues to add to its best-in-class coverage for import and domestic vehicles, according to the company. Featured are battery current/volt sensors; accelerator-pedal sensors; camshaft and crankshaft sensors; power door-lock actuators; and power-window switches. “We’re pleased to add another targeted group of part numbers to our extensive product offering,” said John Herc, vice president engine management marketing, SMP. “As always, Standard is devoted to continually introducing high-quality, late-model coverage for our distribution partners and loyal service providers.” All new applications are listed in the e-catalog found at StandardBrand.com, and in electronic-catalog providers. The post Standard Motor Products Introduces 146 New Part Numbers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts reported first-quarter net sales of $3.4 billion, a 1.3% year-over-year increase. Comparable-store sales increased by 0.6%. However, comparable sales increased by 25.3% on a two-year stack, which blends comparable-sales from 2022 and 2021. “In the first quarter of 2022, we delivered our eighth consecutive quarter of comparable-store sales, adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per share growth,” said Tom Greco, president and chief executive officer. “We started 2022 with strong mid-single-digit comp growth through the first 10 weeks of our 16-week quarter. During the final six weeks, we experienced comp declines driven by our DIY omnichannel business. This was primarily a result of headwinds from the expected lap of the DIY sales boost from the 2021 stimulus as well as a slower start to the spring selling season due to cooler temperatures and higher precipitation. These headwinds have subsided during the first four weeks of our second quarter with comparable-sales growth within our full-year guidance range.” On the same day that Advance announced its first-quarter results, the company introduced the DieHard EV with xEV by Clarios. Advance says it’s the first auto parts retailer to sell 12-volt batteries designed specifically for hybrid and battery-electric vehicles. “We believe the investments we’ve made in the company, our team members as well as our supplier partners are enabling us to capitalize on emerging opportunities while staying focused on the disciplined execution of our long-term strategic plan,” Greco said. “Consistent with this, we continue to build and strengthen a differentiated customer offering behind improved parts availability, industry-leading innovation and an enhanced online and in-store experience. This includes today’s announcement that Advance Auto Parts is the first-to-market with our exclusive DieHard EV battery for hybrid and battery electric vehicles. This innovative 12-volt battery will provide improved and longer-lasting battery performance for the increasing power demands of hybrid and electric vehicles.” Advance reaffirmed its full-year guidance of net sales between $11.2 billion and $11.5 billion and comparable sales increasing by 1% to 3%, among other metrics. “We continue to execute against our long-term plans, despite volatility within the broader macro environment,” said Jeff Shepherd, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “Based on our Q1 results and 2022 outlook, we’re reaffirming our 2022 guidance including comparable-store sales growth, adjusted operating-margin expansion and double-digit adjusted earnings-per-share growth. Importantly, we’re slightly increasing our adjusted diluted EPS guidance range reflecting year-to-date share repurchases.” The post Advance Auto Parts Q1 Sales Increase 1.3% appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Counterman’s “Guess the Car” contest challenges our readers to solve an automotive riddle, for a chance to win $100. And each month, we receive hundreds of responses from aftermarket professionals trying to guess the model of the vehicle depicted. The correct answer for the April/May contest is the Corvette Stingray. The winner is Dana Woollen, store manager at A Street Auto Parts in Lincoln, Nebraska. Now, let’s get to know the “Guess the Car” champion. CM: How long have you been working in the auto parts business? DW: Off and on for probably 18 years. I’ve always been with NAPA Auto Parts, but at different locations. CM: What do you like most about your job? DW: The people. I’m a people person, so I like the camaraderie with my co-workers and the relationships that you form with the customers. CM: What’s the strangest question a customer has asked you? DW: Well, I asked a customer how many lug holes a rotor had, and he asked me what I meant by that. CM: What’s the coolest car you’ve ever owned or worked on? DW: I helped a buddy with his 2019 Chevy Corvette. That’s a pretty fun car. CM: Did you get to drive it? DW: Oh yeah. Absolutely. CM: Do you have any interesting hobbies? What do you do for fun? DW: I’m a musician on the side. I play the bass guitar, and I sing in a couple bands. CM: What’s your dream car? DW: When I was a kid I had a poster on my wall of a 959 Porsche cabriolet. I’d say that’s as good a dream car as any. The post Meet The ‘Guess The Car’ Champ: Dana Woollen appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Advance Auto Parts, recently announced the first five recipients of its scholarship commitment to Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) and its new Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence. The scholarships are part of a larger commitment by the Advance Auto Parts Foundation that also includes a first-of-its-kind recruitment initiative aimed at increasing student diversity in the school’s automotive systems technology and collision repair programs to help address the nationwide technician shortage. Over the next five years, Advance Auto Parts Foundation will support 25 students enrolled in Wake Tech’s automotive degree programs by funding $5,000 unrestricted scholarships for each student to offset educational and living expenses, plus a one-time $600 stipend to purchase tools needed for studies. The first five recipients of these scholarships were nominated by high school guidance counselors and selected by Wake Tech. They include: · Bryant Torres Garcia ofEast Wake High School · Amiya Hall of South Garner High School · Alexander Kirschenbauer of East Wake High School · Waylen Bryce McLeod of East Wake High School · Javai Thomas O’Briant of East Wake High School These scholarship recipients will begin their training in the Automotive Systems Technology degree program in the fall 2022 semester. “Automotive repair jobs offer competitive pay, the opportunity to continue learning new skills and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping someone get their vehicle back on the road safely,” said Tom Greco, president and chief executive officer of Advance Auto Parts. “Despite the many positives associated with careers in our industry, the technician shortage is worsening. This is one of the reasons we are so thrilled to partner with Wake Tech and help support students from all backgrounds and experiences who want to explore careers in automotive service and repair.” The scholarship announcement follows the opening of Wake Tech’s new $42 million Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence, a more than 100,000-square-foot facility on the college’s Scott Northern Wake Campus in Raleigh. The new facility allows the college to triple the number of students in its automotive systems technology program and add a new collision repair program. “The Advance Auto Parts Foundation’s support enables us to directly address automotive technician workforce and diversity needs,” said Scott Ralls, president of Wake Technical Community College. “We are grateful to Advance for their partnership in awarding the scholarships and within the larger programs that our new Hendrick Center supports.” In addition to a $200,000 gift from the Advance Auto Parts Foundation, Advance Auto Parts contributed $50,000 to outfit new tool rooms that support student learning. The tool rooms are branded DieHard in celebration of DieHard’s new lifetime-warranty hand tools, which exceed ANSI/ASME standards and feature an anti-slip open-end design on all combination wrenches, a driver handle designed for more ergonomic shape and a line of ratchets created for better wear resistance and strength than other bit materials, according to the company. For more information, visit https://corp.advanceautoparts.com/responsibility/advance-auto-parts-foundation/default.aspx. The post Advance Auto Parts Foundation Announces Scholarship Recipients appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The cooling system no longer is focused on cooling as much as it is on managing and maintaining a consistent engine and transmission temperature. Since our industry always seems to find a way to inundate us with new acronyms and terminology with every model year, it could be only a matter of time before they start to call it a Powertrain Heat-Management System (PHMS). Make no mistake: The name is not real – at least not yet. I just made it up. But it’s a very accurate representation of what a modern-day cooling system does. To understand the technology of today’s cooling system and why the name almost deserves a change, let’s first look at a brief history mixed with a touch of science. The term “cooling system” originally came about on the early automobile, and that’s exactly what they did. However, the early cooling systems were … simple. Scientifically known as “thermosyphon systems,” the hot coolant in the engine rose upward into the top tank of the radiator. As it cooled, it fell to the bottom of the radiator, where it then would flow into the engine block. The result was a continuous circulation of coolant through the engine, requiring no water pump or thermostat to make it work. Although the early cooling system worked well, it had no choice but to evolve, as engines got bigger and became more powerful. If you think about an engine on a scientific basis, it’s nothing more than a way to convert heat energy into mechanical energy. Basic logic tells us that the more power an engine produces, the more heat is generated that must be removed. Since cooling systems needed the ability to remove more heat, they quickly evolved into utilizing water pumps and thermostats. Thermostats always have had two purposes. First, the engine coolant must remain in the radiator long enough to transfer its heat to the air. When the thermostat is closed, it allows sufficient time for this to occur, and when it opens, the coolant flows into the engine and is able to absorb heat to begin another cycle. Second, engines need to operate near the boiling point of water. Why? Because water is a byproduct of combustion, and this high operating temperature ensures that water is evaporated from the engine oil during operation. Without the thermostat set to keep things hot, the engine oil cannot burn off water and will quickly become contaminated. Cooling systems, even as we entered the era of fuel injection and electronic management, remained fairly simple at first. But we knew that engine temperature was directly related to fuel economy, emissions and power output, and that maintaining that temperature where we wanted it was a necessary step to achieve our goals in those areas. It didn’t take long before the need for precise engine-temperature control became a prevailing factor affecting both engine and cooling-system design. Many components that we thought would never change began to receive a full dose of technology. Here’s a look at how things are shaping up for the future. Thermostats While not an everyday item yet, electrically controlled thermostats are being utilized in some applications, and I expect we’ll see an increase in this. The ability of an internal-combustion engine to achieve maximum fuel economy, minimum emissions and maximum power occurs at slightly different temperatures for different operating conditions. By adding this additional level of precision to temperature control, we can match temperatures to operating conditions, increasing power output and fuel economy. This need for precise temperature control is why modern fuel-management systems monitor coolant temperature and if there is any deviation outside of the expected norm, a very common diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is P0128 (“Engine Coolant Below Regulating Temperature”). As time goes on, we can only expect this to become a parameter that’s much more closely monitored. To further illustrate the advantage of an electronically controlled thermostat, consider traditional (old-school) thermostat operation. As the engine warms up, the radiator and hoses remain cold. When monitoring cooling-system performance as a technician, it’s common to keep a hand wrapped around the upper radiator hose. It stays cold until the thermostat opens; then it gets hot really quickly as the coolant flows from the engine into the radiator. Then we use our hands to feel the radiator tanks warming up, and when they do, we then expect that the electric cooling fans (if equipped) are due to come on within a few moments, and we often move our hand into the path of the air coming off of the cooling fan to sense the volume of airflow and amount of heat being drawn off the radiator. Hi-tech is watching the engine temperature on a scan tool while this happens. The point of this? The overall process of heat transfer is slow, and extreme precision is not possible with a traditional thermostat. As a result, the most advanced engine-management systems are looking ahead at engine temperature based on throttle position and calculated load, so that they can precisely manage engine cylinder and head temperature, effectively managing combustion efficiency. It’s impressive. Electronics and electronic thermostats make it all possible. Water Pumps What could possibly change about water pumps? That’s what I used to think, but they are changing. As effective as a traditional belt-drive water pump always has been, if we look at them from an old-school operational standpoint, as we did thermostats, we begin to see the flaws in their operation. Traditional belt-drive water pumps run the whole time at the speed of the engine, but with modern temperature-management technology, it’s not necessary for them to run constantly. Not only does this create an unnecessary drag on the engine, but it also can reduce the accuracy of precise temperature control. By redesigning the traditional water pump and adding electric water pumps into the system, unnecessary drag is eliminated, and the engine-management system is able to generate coolant flow when needed, as needed. This can help reduce warmup time and also improve overall temperature control. Electric water pumps also have the advantage of remote locations in engine compartments, which is beneficial as space becomes more and more constricted, and they are utilized for after-run features to help cool components such as turbochargers. Cooling Fans Electric cooling fans are not new by any means, but they no longer are a simple on-or-off type of fan. Early fans often employed a resistor to create both a low- and high-speed option, but many of today’s fans are pulse-modulated variable-speed fans that again give the engine-control module the ability to match fan speed with other operating conditions. Active Grille Shutters The newest member of the cooling-system technology family is the active grille shutter. Many manufacturers are utilizing this technology on certain vehicles, which, as you might have guessed, looks just like a set of shutters over some portions of the radiator. This can improve vehicle aerodynamics as well as decrease warmup times. They only open when needed to allow for additional cooling. Heater Cores Heater cores are part of the cooling system. Even though they don’t generally affect system function in the terms of engine-temperature management, inadequate heat stemming from a restricted heater core is a common complaint. But a restricted heater core is sometimes misdiagnosed as a bad thermostat or vice versa. And some vehicles utilize an electric water pump specifically to move coolant through the heater core. If the pump is bad, it could be misdiagnosed as a restricted heater core. Cooling-system diagnosis always should take into account the ever-increasing complexity of HVAC systems. Electric Vehicles Just when you thought there couldn’t be any more, hybrid and electric vehicles are bringing additional changes. Did you ever think you would see a high-temperature radiator and a low-temperature radiator? Plus, a water-cooled air-conditioning condenser? You’ll start to see them on electric vehicles. You also can throw in some valving and a high-voltage coolant heater to boost heater-core output, plus a completely different cooling circuit for the batteries, power inverter, transaxle and electric motor. The good news for us? There’s a lot more to fix and a lot more parts to sell. So, when will they start to call it a PHMS? And I’m waiting for the day of GPS-monitored temperature-sensing microchips that float around the cooling system, reporting the exact temperature of the coolant along the way. Sound crazy? Probably. But if it ever happens, just remember where you heard it first. The post A Closer Look At Engine Cooling Components appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

During AutoZone’s fiscal second-quarter 2022 conference call in March, company executives asserted that its pandemic-driven sales momentum could be sustained, even after consumers blow through their stimulus payments. AutoZone’s fiscal third-quarter results did nothing to convince them otherwise. “We believed our competitive positioning was materially improved, as indicated by our significant retail share gains and rapidly accelerated commercial sales growth,” AutoZone CEO Bill Rhodes reflected during the company’s third-quarter conference call on May 24. “We believed customer behavior may have permanently changed. We continue to believe all of this today.” AutoZone reported fiscal third-quarter net sales of $3.9 billion, a 5.9% year-over-year increase. The company’s fiscal third quarter ended on May 7. Domestic same-store sales, or sales for stores open at least one year, increased 2.6% for the quarter. AutoZone delivered the 2.6% increase against some extremely tough comparisons: In the fiscal third quarter of 2021, same-store sales jumped nearly 29%. If AutoZone indeed is able to sustain its momentum from 2020 and 2021, “it’ll be the fourth time in the last 30 years that the economy and society have been through significant shocks leading to material acceleration in our growth in sales and profits, without a corresponding decline back to pre-recessionary or pre-pandemic levels,” Rhodes said. DIFM sales, which suffered in the first few months of the pandemic in 2020, continued to rebound. AutoZone’s commercial sales rocketed 26% higher to $1.04 billion, a third-quarter record for the company. Weekly commercial sales per store also set a quarterly record, at $16,600, up from $13,500 in fiscal Q3 2021. The company averaged approximately $87 million in total weekly commercial sales. During the quarter, AutoZone launched 43 net new commercial programs, finishing with 5,275 total programs. “As I’ve said since the outset of the year, commercial growth will lead the way in FY 22, and our results in the third quarter and year to date reflect this dynamic,” CFO Jamere Jackson said during the conference call. Rhodes attributed the DIFM growth to a number of companywide initiatives, including expanded hub and megahub coverage, “the strength of the Duralast brand,” technology investments, a more effective salesforce and improved delivery times. Domestic DIY sales slipped 4.5% during the quarter – another case of tough comps. Rhodes noted that U.S. consumers received stimulus payments in the third quarter of 2021, which led to record DIY-sales growth. “We’re very proud of our DIY results,” Rhodes added. “Considering we had such a tough comparison to last year, from the data we have available to us, we continued not only retain the enormous share gains in dollars and units built during the initial stages of the pandemic, but [also] modestly build on those gains. “Our performance, considering the amount of time from the last stimulus and the ending of the enhanced unemployment benefits, has substantially exceeded our expectations and gives us continued conviction about the sustainability of the massive elevated sales levels we have experienced since the beginning of the pandemic.” The post Record DIFM Sales Drive Solid Q3 For AutoZone appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article