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By Counterman
As we enter a new year, many of us are still busy reviewing what we’ve done during the previous 12 months. From closing the books on 2024, to analyzing profitability and leveraging missed opportunities to increase those profits in the coming months, this is a busy time of year behind the scenes of any automotive business. Looking back is certainly important for gaining perspective on where we’ve been, but the upcoming year has the potential to bring a wide array of changes for consumers and business owners alike.
Consumer buying trends are expected to continue shifting toward even more online purchasing as we navigate through 2025 and beyond. In the automotive aftermarket, we’ve already embraced the concept of providing an online shopping experience for our customers, but that experience is changing as consumers adopt new habits and more providers enter the marketplace. The increasing use of mobile devices (and the increasing variety of these devices) will continue to change the methods we use to connect with consumers. Not only are buyers using mobile devices for roughly 65% of their automotive e-commerce inquiries, they are accessing an increasing amount of entertainment and information content. The number of eyes on the traditional advertising mediums of broadcast television, local radio and print media have steadily declined, with more people turning to subscription services like streaming platforms and satellite radio. With fewer advertising opportunities, finding new ways to engage our customers on their preferred devices becomes ever more important in the digital marketplace.
Software also is increasingly important to the vehicle itself. Connected cars have become part of a virtual network in recent years, commonly known as the “internet of things.” With onboard hardware and software capable of sending and receiving data, and the ability to interface with other connected devices, the automobile has officially joined the ranks of “mobile devices.” More than 70% of new vehicles are “connected,” with tech companies like Microsoft, Apple and Google often partnering with the OEMs to offer in-car infotainment, communications and vehicle health/maintenance data through a wireless 5G network infrastructure. For better or worse, this also has led to the ability of OEMs to offer “subscription” services for many features found in their SDVs (software defined vehicles). A monthly charge for access to your heated seats or remote start might rub some vehicle buyers the wrong way, but the acceptance rate for on-demand features like these is increasing as more people begin to view their vehicle in the same way they have come to utilize their other connected devices.
The bi-directional transfer and analysis of vehicle data is one key to utilizing the AI technologies behind ADAS and autonomous vehicle capabilities. SAE International recognizes six varying levels of “self-driving” vehicle automation, from emergency braking and blind spot warning (Level 0) all the way to fully-autonomous control under all driving conditions (Level 5). AI has a critical role in these vehicles “learning” their environment and then responding to changes in their surroundings, all in real time. For these systems to work efficiently (and safely), data from cameras, RADAR and LIDAR sensors must be collected and transmitted, analyzed and used by the AI program to make “educated” decisions to mimic a human operator. Like EVs, autonomous vehicles require a level of networked infrastructure that still does not exist on the scale necessary for mass adoption.
Data, in its many forms, is the cornerstone to improved technology. No matter if it takes the form of daily reports we generate to track sales, inventory and other KPIs, or a series of over-the-air communications that help keep a connected vehicle in its lane, the network of information that surrounds us is critical to our success in 2025 and beyond.
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By Counterman
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. announced it has appointed Shweta Bhatia as executive vice president and chief technology officer, effective immediately. According to the company, Bhatia brings more than 20 years of retail, technology and operational experience to
link hidden, please login to view. Most recently, she served as senior vice president of technology at Dollar General, where she led a multi-year, end-to-end technology transformation and modernization to enhance the company’s operational efficiency. “Shweta’s history of successfully executing transformational programs that focus on speed, efficiency and providing quality solutions to customers will greatly contribute to the execution of our three-year financial plan,” said Shane O’Kelly, president and chief executive officer. “We welcome Shweta to our leadership team that is passionate about carrying out our decisive actions which will set up Advance for future growth and value creation.”
Bhatia also served as vice president of technology at both Walmart International, where she led the company’s core retail technology portfolio, and Kohl’s Corporation, where she managed the strategy and implementation of solutions across multiple channels.
link hidden, please login to view said her passion for modern technology transformation began as an entrepreneur, creating the tech startup, Wisdom Info Tech, an award-winning technology firm. Bhatia received her MBA from Amity Business School and a bachelor’s degree at IT College, both located in India.
Sri Donthi, Advance’s current chief technology officer, will remain with the company for a period to assist in the transition. The company said it is grateful to Sri for his leadership and contributions over the last several years and wishes him well as he moves on to a new opportunity.
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By Advance Auto Parts
RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE: AAP), a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider in North America that serves both professional installers and do-it-yourself customers, today announced that it has appointed Shweta Bhatia as executive vice president and chief technology officer, effective immediately.
“Shweta’s history of successfully executing transformational programs that focus on speed, efficiency, and providing quality solutions to customers will greatly contribute to the execution of our three-year financial plan,” Shane O’Kelly, president and chief executive officer. “We welcome Shweta to our leadership team that is passionate about carrying out our decisive actions which will set up Advance for future growth and value creation.”
Ms. Bhatia brings more than 20 years of retail, technology, and operational experience to Advance. Most recently, Ms. Bhatia served as senior vice president of technology at Dollar General where she led a multi-year, end-to-end technology transformation and modernization to enhance the company’s operational efficiency. Ms. Bhatia also served as the vice president of technology at both Walmart International, where she led the company’s core retail technology portfolio, and Kohl’s Corporation, where she managed the strategy and implementation of solutions across multiple channels. Her passion for modern technology transformation began as an entrepreneur, creating the tech startup, Wisdom Info Tech, an award-winning technology firm.
Ms. Bhatia received her MBA at the Amity Business School and a bachelor's degree at IT College, both located in India.
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By Counterman
Paul Agather, president and CEO of
link hidden, please login to view member Automotive Jobbers Supply, was honored with the Art Fisher Memorial Award, Federated’s most esteemed recognition. He received this award earlier this month during the Automotive Parts Services Group membership conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. “The Art Fisher Memorial Award is the highest honor we bestow upon our members, and this year it goes to Paul Agather, a member who has shown exceptional commitment to the initiatives and objectives of the Federated group,” said Bo Fisher, chairman of Federated Auto Parts. “Although the award is given each year, it signifies enduring commitment, support, engagement and loyalty to the Federated community. My father would have taken great pride in presenting Paul with this award and recognizing his ongoing dedication to the success of Federated, his fellow members and the aftermarket industry.”
Agather began his career at Automotive Jobbers Supply in 1988 before leaving to finish college in 1990. He returned to the company in 1993 and held a variety of positions including director, treasurer, CFO and CIO, before assuming his current role as president and CEO. Active in the industry, Agather has served as a committee member of the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) logistics and technology committee and has been a presenter at several AWDA industry events, encouraging and promoting the use of technology in the aftermarket, according to a news release announcing his recognition. He is a member of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) leadership council for the state of Washington and serves as vice chair of the NFIB Washington state political action committee.
Named after
link hidden, please login to view founder Art Fisher, the Art Fisher Memorial Award is presented annually to a member of the Federated group who has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the success of Federated Auto Parts, its members and initiatives. Award recipients also have a history of sharing their time and expertise for the benefit of all members and have served in industry roles, representing the interests of the Federated membership. The post
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By Counterman
The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, presented the 2024 Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education, to Larry Pavey, CEO of the Automotive Products Services Group. The award was presented on Nov. 3 by AWDA Vice-Chair Fletcher Lord III at AWDA’s 2024 Annual Conference in Las Vegas.
AWDA’s Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education is presented annually to an aftermarket company or individual that demonstrates outstanding commitment to education and training, either within their organization or throughout the industry. Given in memory of former AWDA Chairman Art Fisher, the award grants scholarships in the name of the award winner to two students enrolled in the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University.
Larry Pavey, CEO of the Automotive Parts Services Group, has spent his entire career in the automotive aftermarket, starting in sales at Walker Manufacturing, then on to the BWD division of Echlin. He served as vice president of marketing for the Borg Warner, Niehoff and Whitaker brands.
With Pavey at the helm, Echlin’s brake business made more than 20 acquisitions, becoming the largest brake supplier in the aftermarket industry. He served as president of Echlin’s North American Operations and later president of Dana’s Under Vehicle Group.
Today Pavey serves as CEO of the Automotive Parts Service Group, a joint venture between the National Pronto Association and the Federated Alliance. He has been active in many industry associations, serving on the boards of ASE, AAPA, MEMA, the Auto Care Association and the AWDA Board of Governors.
In 2016 Pavey was presented with the Martin Fromm AWDA Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2018 he was presented with the Jack Creamer Leader of the Year Award.
His commitment to the automotive aftermarket is long and varied. He has worked on both sides of the supply chain. He is a quiet but effective leader and teacher who has had a major impact on the industry.
Pavey has the ability to look at the industry as a whole and strive to do what is best for everyone to help them succeed.
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