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APA Board of Directors Welcomes Rich Echternacht
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view is pleased to announce that Hamilton Discount Auto Parts ( link hidden, please login to view) joined as its newest shareholder. By joining APA, HDAP gains access to a suite of resources, strong supplier connections, and a community of like-minded independent distributors, elevating its ability to serve customers effectively. APA Welcomes New Shareholder HDAP, expanding its network. The Growth of HDAP
Khaled Abudagga founded HDAP in 2003. He started it as a single-location business in Hamilton, Ontario. Khaled, a former auto shop owner, transitioned into the parts-selling industry. His goal was to provide top-tier products and exceptional service. Over the years, HDAP grew and now operates 16 locations. Customers know the business for its reliability and dedication.
Why HDAP Joined APA
“HDAP joined APA because I was looking for a U.S. buying group that would provide more value for its shareholders,” said Khaled. “I saw APA and was impressed that it operated like a family business.”
Khaled Abudagga Joins the APA Board
In addition to joining APA, Abudagga now serves on the APA Board of Directors. His extensive experience in the automotive aftermarket adds value to the organization. His commitment to independent distributors strengthens the community.
APA Welcomes New Shareholder to Strengthen its Mission
“We are thrilled to welcome HDAP to the
link hidden, please login to view family,” said Steve Tucker, president of APA. “Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to a successful partnership.” The post
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By Counterman
The APA/Trustar 2025 Annual Meeting, held March 21-24 in New Orleans at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, was a success on many levels, from recognizing supplier and shareholder achievements to forging and renewing business partnerships. Automotive Parts Associates said it prides itself on prioritizing in-person connection opportunities for members, suppliers and shareholders, with this event being an ideal forum for networking.
Guests heard from leaders across the industry, including Ted Hughes with the Auto Care Association and Simeon Gutman with Morgan Stanley. Group sessions on topics ranging from electric vehicles to cybersecurity were offered, as well as the opportunity for one-on-one meetings between members, shareholders and suppliers.
“The business is still people to people, and I think get-togethers like this prove that even more. A lot of business was written, a lot of friendships renewed, and a lot of business relationships renewed, so we had a lot of fun,” said
link hidden, please login to view link hidden, please login to view President Steve Tucker. “We did a lot of business and it was good to see everybody get together. We had a little over 300 people total in attendance and multiple countries [represented], including Germany, Switzerland, the United States and Canada.” The long weekend was capped off by a special awards banquet hosted at the WWII Museum. Attendees wined and dined under restored war planes and got a chance to view one of the exhibits. After dinner, an awards ceremony was held to honor those making significant achievements in the past year.
DENSO came home with the coveted “APA Supplier of the Year” Award, saying it’s through hard work and good partnerships through
link hidden, please login to view that they are able to accomplish everything over the past 365 days. “It just shows that everybody’s efforts are recognized from my sales guys to the people in the warehouse, to all the key functional departments in our business. It’s a team effort, and to be recognized from this group is super important,” Jose Ramirez, senior manager of light-duty and heavy-duty aftermarket sales for DENSO, said. “For us, it’s a big deal, but I think it’s something for all of us to be proud of as a company. Not just the sales guys, but everybody.”
“We value our suppliers, we value our shareholders and members. We are able to get to come together and promote the industry and promote the business as one,” Tucker said.
All of the award winners from this year’s gala, as well as additional images, are showcased below.
2025 Supplier Awards
APA Supplier of the Year Award – DENSO Distinguished OE Partner Award – Hitachi Outstanding Marketing Partner Award – Bosch Cornerstone Award – Standard Motor Products Ambassador Award – Wheeler Fleet Solutions Technology Award – Pricedex Phoenix Award – Holstein Parts APA Supplier Champion Award – David Arriaga APA Shooting Star Award – Judy Sanell 2025 Shareholder Awards
Dan Freeman Excellence Award – Singh Auto Parts
Milestone Awards – 80 Years APA Shareholder
AB&S Warehouse Factory Motor Parts Milestone Awards – 30 Years APA Shareholder
Royal Auto Parts Schulz Motor Parts Wheeler Fleet Solutions Tinker Auto Parts Milestone Awards – 10 Years APA Shareholder
Ideal Auto Parts Inc. Victory Imported Parts New Shareholder
Bob’s Speed & Auto Parts Hamilton Discount Auto Parts New TruStar Members
Parts Universe Technology Auto Parts Axon US The post
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By Counterman
APA announced Axon US as the newest addition to TruStar. Founded in 2008, Axon US began with a small office in Midtown Manhattan and a basement workspace in Long Island City. Its founder, Siyao Ji, started Axon independently, building the company from the ground up. He established the company with a clear vision: to create a streamlined supply chain system that efficiently meets the needs of the auto industry.
Axon initially operated solely as an online retailer but expanded its presence to better serve customers through offline channels. In 2021, the company moved into a 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Queens to accommodate its growing inventory and improve order fulfillment. Today, Axon US serves both online and offline customers through its warehouse showroom, with plans to open a dedicated brick-and-mortar store that is aiming to open in Q4.
link hidden, please login to viewsaid Natasha Huang has been with Axon US for about six months as a buyer. Previously a salesperson for an Asian auto parts wholesale distributor, she joined Axon to deepen her understanding of the auto supply chain and continue growing in the industry. “Axon US is eager to expand its presence in the automotive industry by joining TruStar, fostering connections with other members and strengthening relationships with key brands,” said Huang.
“We are excited to welcome Axon US to the TruStar family and look forward to the collaboration and innovation they will bring to our network,” said Steve Tucker, President of APA.
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By OReilly Auto Parts
SPRINGFIELD, Mo., March 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (the “Company” or “O’Reilly”) (Nasdaq: ORLY), a leading retailer in the automotive aftermarket industry, today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved a 15-for-1 split of its common stock, to be effected in the form of a one-time special stock dividend.
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By Counterman
AIT announced the addition of five professionals to its team. The company said these individuals bring a wealth of expertise and proven success, further strengthening its mission to deliver exceptional value to its customers and partners.
Rick Stempien, Vice President of Sales – Retailers
Stempien joins
link hidden, please login to view with over 20 years of leadership experience in sales and business development while at First Brands, Hopkins Manufacturing and Trico. Known for his exceptional ability to drive market share growth and cultivate strong customer relationships, Stempien will lead retailer-focused sales initiatives and deepen engagement with our retail partners, according to AIT. Mark Roach, Marketing Director
Roach brings nearly a decade of experience in the automotive aftermarket, with a strong background in brand strategy, digital marketing and content development. Before joining AIT/TrakMotive, he held key marketing roles at Schaeffler and International Lubricants, where he played a pivotal role in driving brand growth and market engagement. His strategic vision and expertise will be instrumental in elevating
link hidden, please login to view’s marketing initiatives and strengthening industry presence, the company said. Tracy Beecroft, Senior Key Account Manager
Beecroft joins AIT/TrakMotive with a proven track record in managing high-profile accounts while employed at Dana, BorgWarner/Delphi and Lumileds Philips. Her extensive experience in developing strategic partnerships, executing successful product launches and driving revenue growth will be instrumental in advancing retailer relationships, according to AIT.
Stephen DiSorbo, Key Account Manager
DiSorbo brings a diverse background in sales and category management, with experience at organizations like GKN, BorgWarner/Delphi and Eaton. His expertise in product launches, line expansions and bridging sales with category strategy gives him a unique ability to drive growth, strengthen retailer partnerships and translate market needs into actionable opportunities, AIT said.
William Zhu, Strategy and Business Intelligence – Manager
Zhu brings a strong background in operations transformation and management consulting. Before joining AIT/Trakmotive, he was part of Accenture’s Strategy & Consulting practice, where he specialized in generative AI, risk and compliance, and business process optimization. His experience within the automotive aftermarket began in 2013 when he spent the summer as a factory worker at Ningbo Wonh Industries Co., Ltd., part of the AIT/TrakMotive family of companies. This unique blend of industry experience and functional expertise positions him to drive impactful initiatives that will support AIT/TrakMotive’s continued growth, the company said.
With AIT/TrakMotive’s continued growth, the company said it is expanding its sales, marketing and strategy operations to better serve its customers. Its traditional aftermarket accounts will continue to be led by Vice President of Sales Kent Talley and his team, ensuring the same trusted support and expertise our partners rely on. Meanwhile, Vice President of Retail Sales Rick Stempien and his team will focus on strengthening relationships with retail partners, enhancing AIT/TrakMotive’s ability to serve this important segment.
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